Researchers of RMIT University conducted a study on the feasibility of using plastic-based isolation gowns in structural concrete. The aim of this research is to reduce the amount of waste generated by the COVID-19 pandemic, decrease the environmental pressure caused by the increase in such additional waste in disposal sites, and enhance the mechanical properties of concrete.
They found that adding different percentages of shredded isolation gowns to the concrete mixed design not only strengthens the mechanical properties of concrete but also improves the overall quality of the concrete. This can be reasoned by the shredded isolation gowns creating a more substantial bond with the cement matrix, thus limiting microcracks and increasing concrete quality.
The results of this research indicate that the strong bond between the cement matrix and shredded isolation gowns leads to a respective increase of 15.5%, 20.6%, and 11.73% in compressive strength, flexural strength, elastic modulus, and an improvement in the mechanical properties of concrete.
