Recycling Covid-19 Personal Face Masks Used in Concrete

Abstract

The Covid-19 pandemic has triggered a massive rise in the production and use of personal face masks, causing a sharp increase in waste generation. Improper disposal of these masks poses a significant threat to living organisms and the environment, as most masks contain plastic derivatives. Conventional disposal methods, like incineration and landfilling, are unsustainable solutions for this type of plastic waste.

This research introduces an innovative approach by recycling face masks into sustainable construction materials, specifically by incorporating them into concrete mixes. Face masks were cut into rectangular pieces (approx. 2 cm × 4 cm) and added to concrete at varying percentages: 2%, 2.5%, 5%, and 10% by volume. Concrete cube and cylinder samples were cast for each mix, and their compressive strengths were evaluated.

Compression tests revealed valuable insights, indicating that adding 2%–2.5% of face masks by volume to concrete can enhance or at least maintain concrete strength. These results demonstrate a promising strategy for reducing mask waste through civil engineering innovations, contributing to more sustainable building materials without compromising concrete performance.