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Scientists at Council of Scientific and Industrial Research and Central Road Research Institute (CSIR-CRRI) and National Physical Laboratory (NPL) who developed the technology to convert multi-layered plastic and fly-ash into high quality-tiles for pavement, roofs and walls are now testing the high strength plastic tiles which could be used to construct roads.
Delhi Research Implementation and Innovation (DRIIV) which is the central government’s principal scientific advisor has already conducted the lab and prototype tests of the tiles which have strength of the concrete. DRIIV has sought industrial support for more tests.
According to scientists the high-strength tiles not only address the issue of plastic waste but also the menace of red mud, which is a waste generated by the aluminium industry. However, the development of tiles, which could still handle the weight of up to the 20 tonnes, was to be strengthened further and made sturdier.
“The development of this technology came as a follow-up of our previous development where we designed the tiles for pavements, cycling tracks, roofs and walls. There was a need for the development of prefabricated materials made of polymer that could withstand high pressure created by the movement of vehicles”, said Dr Rajiv Kumar Singh, Principal Scientist, CSIR-NPL.
So, the research and development were done with Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) at NPL and road tiles were made. So far, we have managed to get the tiles that have been tested in the lab, have high-density are almost as tough, as concrete and still flexible- the right thing suited for Indian roads, Singh said, adding that so far, only Scandinavian countries have started building the roads using such material.
He pointed out that the high-strength plastic tiles also offer a modular structure solution to the Indian roads. “We often see that the roads are dug to lay down pipes or wires and then remade- which requires money. In this case, the road will not have to be broken but a section of tiles could be removed and installed again. It will also fix the issues of potholes,” he explained. He added that DRIIV is currently helping them with a wider reach out to the financers and industries.
The prototype tile weighs 900 grams and is about nine by six inches in dimensions. For field tests, scientists will need tiles with on sqm area which is expensive to mould, thus, they have sought support from industries.
“We are generating a lot of waste. What are going to do with it? In the circular economy we use that waste. With a proper recipe we can make tiles suitable for road application with a sustainable solution to the problems,” said Prof Venugopal Achanta, Director CSIR-NPL. He added that they are also in talks with the Ladakh administration as the tile can withstand extremely low temperatures. Earlier, the CSIR-NPL developed tiles using single-use plastic for footpaths, cycle tracks etc. which are being produced by seven start-ups currently.
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