TITLE:
Study and Characterization of a Composite Material Made from PVC Waste and Sand for Roofing Applications
AUTHORS:
Yaou Zakari, Layndé Tawé, Bernard Dadi Gaga, Yannick Serge Evoung Nnengué, Ismael Figapka Pagoré, Noel Konai, Florent Biyeme
KEYWORDS:
Physical Properties, Mechanical Properties, PVC Waste, Sand Composite, Roofing
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Materials Science and Chemical Engineering,
Vol.14 No.7,
July
27,
2026
ABSTRACT: This research deals with the valorization of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) waste and river sand for producing roof tiles. This study is based on an experimental analysis of roof tiles produced with varying proportions of recycled PVC and river sand: 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% and 100%, corresponding to samples 1 through 10, respectively, of PVC combined with the corresponding percentage of fine river sand aggregate. The PVC waste was heated to 170˚C to ensure it did not lose its properties. Tests were performed to evaluate the material’s physical and mechanical performance, including water absorption, density, moisture content, and flexural strength. The following results were obtained: First, the water absorption rate of the composite varies between 1.267% (Sample 10) and 2.881% (Sample 1), with a mean value of 1.913% and a standard deviation of 0.551%. Second, the density of the composite varies between 1.0086 g/cm3 (Sample 10) and 1.1111 g/cm3 (Sample 1), with a mean value of 1.055 g/cm3 and a standard deviation of 0.034 g/cm3. Third, the applied force at the ultimate tensile stress of the composite varies between 32.3 N for a displacement of 0.395 mm in sample 10 and 205.3 N for a displacement of 0.9245 mm in sample 8. Samples 6, 7, and 8 show good results for use as composite materials for roofing tiles, but Sample 8 is chosen as the best composite material in this study because of its low absorption rate and density, which make it light and flexible for roofing use. Sample 8 is also a good choice because of its high strength, which gives the composite roofing tile resistance to rupture and cracking, thereby making it durable.