The objective of this research is to investigate the thermo-physical characteristics of a composite material comprising of red earth and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) waste, with the intention of using it for wall covering. The two components are blended in a specific mass ratio to create a novel material, and its thermo-physical properties, specifically thermal conductivity and heat capacity, are determined using a hot-ring apparatus (CT-meter) within a temperature-controlled glove box. Experimental findings indicate an enhancement in the thermal performance of the samples as the proportion of PET waste increases, leading to a reduction in both thermal conductivity and heat capacity. On average, the bulk density decreases by 133kg/m³ with each addition of 5% PET waste between successive samples. Statistical analysis reveals that the variables under examination significantly influence thermal conductivity and capacity, as demonstrated by variance tests.

plastic waste, red earth, energy efficiency, thermal conductivity, heat capacity.

Received: February 13, 2024; Accepted: February 29, 2024; Published: June 3, 2024

How to cite this article: H. SOULAMI, M. MRANI ALAOUI, H. SDIRA, A. ARBAOUI and A. SAMAOUALI, Thermo-physical analysis of mixes of PET waste and red earth, JP Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer 37(3) (2024), 267-282. https://doi.org/10.17654/0973576324019

This Open Access Article is Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License

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