Omar Khalid
Plastic waste is a pressing global issue, with plastic bottles alone being sold at a rate of one million per minute worldwide. Nzambi Matee, a trained mechanical engineer from Nairobi, Kenya, has pioneered an innovative solution by developing a method to convert plastic waste into bricks. Matee's company, Gjenge, recycles plastic waste and combines it with sand to create a mixture that is moulded into paving bricks. These bricks are not only sustainable but also stronger than concrete, providing a viable alternative to traditional building materials. Matee's invention serves as an inspiring example of how plastic waste can be transformed into something valuable, addressing environmental concerns while also creating a successful business venture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Inventor | Nzambi Matee |
| Inventor's background | Trained mechanical engineer |
| Inventor's company | Gjenge Makers |
| Plastic brick composition | Mixture of sand and plastics |
| Plastic brick characteristics | Twice as sturdy as concrete, waterproof, and available in multiple colours |
| Plastic brick production | 1500 bricks per day |
| Plastic waste recycled | 10-25 metric tons per week |
| Plastic sources | Post-industrial and post-consumer plastic waste |
| Plastic types | Polypropylene, polyethylene, PET, LDPE, and HDPE |
| Sand type | River sand |
| Recycling method | Mechanical recycling |
| Brick-making process | Mixing, moulding, pressing, and cooling |
| Brick uses | Paving, roads, sidewalks, footpaths, and driveways |
| Benefits | Affordable, environmentally friendly, and promotes a circular economy |
| Concerns | Potential release of microplastics into the soil |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Plastic bricks are twice as sturdy as concrete
Nzambi Matee, a 29-year-old entrepreneur and inventor from Nairobi, Kenya, is the creator of the plastic brick. Matee founded the startup Gjenge Makers Ltd, which transforms plastic waste into sustainable, affordable building materials. These include paving tiles, manhole covers, and paving blocks that are stronger than concrete. Matee's plastic bricks are made from a mixture of sand and plastics, which are mixed at high temperatures and then compressed into bricks.
The plastic bricks are not only twice as sturdy as concrete, but they are also cheaper than normal bricks. The low cost of the raw materials, which are sourced from factory waste and local recyclers, translates into a low product price. Matee's bricks sell for 850 Kenyan shillings ($7.70) per square meter, making them more affordable for Kenyan citizens.
Matee's innovation provides a circular economy solution by creating value from plastic waste that would otherwise pollute the environment. The production of these bricks also connects and provides jobs for the community, particularly youth groups and women.
While plastic bricks offer a creative solution to plastic waste, there are some concerns about the potential release of microplastics into the soil over time. Additionally, the flammability and viscoelastic deformation of plastic are important considerations for construction materials. However, Matee's bricks address the issue of flammability by incorporating sand, which also enhances the strength of the bricks.
Matee's invention serves as an inspiring example of how innovative engineering skills can be applied to address societal and environmental challenges, such as plastic pollution, while also creating affordable and accessible solutions for communities.
Inventor's Guide to Molding Plastic Shapes
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic waste is collected, cleaned, shredded, and separated into different types
Nzambi Matee, a trained mechanical engineer from Nairobi, Kenya, is the inventor of the plastic brick. Her company, Gjenge, recycles between 10 and 25 metric tons of plastic waste every week. The process of recycling plastic waste into bricks begins with the collection of plastic waste. This involves gathering waste plastic from various sources, such as post-industrial and post-consumer plastic waste. Post-industrial waste includes unrecyclable broken bits and offcuts discarded during the manufacturing process, while post-consumer waste refers to discarded products and packaging.
Once the plastic waste is collected, it undergoes pre-processing, which includes cleaning and shredding the plastic. The cleaning process ensures that the plastic is free from dirt, contaminants, and other substances that may be present. After cleaning, the plastic is shredded or ground into smaller pieces, making it easier to handle and process.
The next step is to separate the different types of plastic. This is an important step because different types of plastic have varying properties and melting points, which will affect the final product. Matee and her team at Gjenge discovered that some plastics bind together better than others through testing and experimentation. They ultimately settled on using polypropylene plastic from sources like microwaveable food packaging and bottle caps, and polyethylene from plastic bags, trays, and containers.
By separating the plastics, they can ensure that the bricks have the desired properties, such as strength and durability. The separation process may involve sorting the plastics manually or using specialized equipment that can identify and separate different types of plastic based on their characteristics.
Overall, the process of collecting, cleaning, shredding, and separating plastic waste is a crucial step in the creation of plastic bricks. It ensures that the waste is properly prepared and ready for the next stages of processing, where it will be mixed with other materials and molded into durable and sustainable bricks.
Melting Plastic Safely: A Comprehensive Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The plastic is mixed with sand and compressed into bricks
The process of turning plastic waste into bricks begins with collecting and sorting plastic waste. This waste is then cleaned, shredded, and separated into different plastic types. For instance, the Kenyan company Gjenge uses plastic bottle tops and seals sourced from manufacturers in the beverage and pharmaceutical industries, as well as post-consumer plastic waste. After the collection and sorting stage, the plastic is mixed with sand and compressed into bricks.
The mixing process involves combining the shredded plastic with sand to form a mixture, which is then moulded into bricks. In some cases, glass is also added to the mixture. Additionally, colour can be added to the mixture to create coloured bricks.
The compression process involves using a hydraulic press to break the mixture into the desired shape and size of the brick. This process involves forcing the mixture into a mould, which shapes the final form of the brick. After compression, the bricks are allowed to cool for a few minutes before being placed in a water bath to reduce the temperature further.
The resulting bricks are not only sturdy but also have additional benefits. For example, the bricks produced by Gjenge are twice as sturdy as concrete and are waterproof. They also have a melting point of over 660˚F (350°C) and provide a rubber-like walking or riding surface.
By turning plastic waste into bricks, this process not only helps eliminate plastic waste but also provides a sustainable alternative to traditional building materials.
Installing Threaded Inserts: Plastic Techniques and Best Practices
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Bricks are placed in a water bath to cool
Plastic bricks are an innovative way to convert plastic waste into building materials. Nzambi Matee, a materials engineer from Nairobi, Kenya, is the inventor of these bricks. The plastic bricks are made from a mixture of sand and plastics, which are mixed at very high temperatures and then compressed into brick form.
The process of making plastic bricks involves heating the plastic and sand mixture and then shaping it using a press rig. Once the plastic mixture is shaped into bricks, they are placed in a water bath to cool. This process of cooling the bricks in water serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it helps to wash away any dust or particles that might interfere with the adhesion of the mortar when the bricks are laid. Secondly, porous bricks, when dry, tend to act like sponges, absorbing moisture from the mortar, which can lead to cracking and weak adhesion. By soaking the bricks in water, they are inhibited from sucking moisture from the mortar, thus ensuring a stronger and more durable structure.
The duration for which the bricks need to be soaked can vary depending on the type of brick and the specific construction requirements. In some cases, high humidity in the environment might reduce the need for soaking the bricks for extended periods. Additionally, the act of soaking bricks can be messy, as the water running down the bricks can cause drip marks if not cleaned promptly.
The plastic bricks created by Matee and her team are twice as sturdy as concrete and are sold at a more affordable price than regular bricks. By addressing the issue of plastic pollution in Kenya, Matee's innovation not only provides a sustainable solution but also empowers the community by providing job opportunities and affordable construction materials for houses, schools, and roads.
Melding Plastic to Rubber: A Step-by-Step Guide
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Plastic bricks are cheaper than normal bricks
Plastic bricks are a sustainable and innovative solution to the global issue of plastic waste. Nzambi Matee, a materials engineer from Nairobi, Kenya, invented the plastic brick. The brick is made from a mixture of sand and plastic, which are combined at high temperatures and then compressed into brick form. This process not only reduces plastic waste but also provides a more affordable building material for the community.
There are several reasons why plastic bricks are cheaper than normal bricks. Firstly, the raw material for plastic bricks is waste plastic, which is abundant and inexpensive. By using waste materials, the production costs are significantly reduced. Additionally, plastic bricks do not require firing during the manufacturing process, further lowering production costs. Matee's company, Gjenge Makers, sells their plastic bricks at 850 Kenyan shillings ($7.70) per square meter, making them more affordable than traditional bricks.
Plastic bricks also offer cost savings in construction projects. They are known to be twice as sturdy as concrete, providing increased strength and durability. This means that structures built with plastic bricks may require fewer bricks overall, reducing the quantity needed to be purchased. Additionally, plastic bricks have higher insulation value, helping to keep buildings warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This improved energy efficiency can lead to reduced energy bills for the occupants.
The affordability of plastic bricks has a positive impact on communities, particularly in developing regions. In Kenya, for example, the availability of affordable bricks promotes local construction projects, enabling the building of houses, schools, and roads. Plastic bricks can also be advantageous in areas prone to earthquakes, as their durability and flexibility make them less likely to crumble during seismic activity.
While plastic bricks offer economic benefits, it is important to consider potential drawbacks. One concern is the release of microplastics over time, which may leech into the surrounding soil or environment. Additionally, plastic bricks may face challenges with flammability and viscoelastic deformation, potentially sagging or melting under extreme heat. However, these issues can be mitigated with additives or by incorporating steel, timber, or concrete beams for structural support. Overall, plastic bricks present a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to traditional bricks, contributing to both economic and environmental goals.
Plastic Laminate Backsplash: Easy Installation Guide
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Plastic bricks are made from a mixture of sand and plastics. The sand and plastic are mixed at very high temperatures and then compressed into bricks.
Nzambi Matee, a trained mechanical engineer from Nairobi, Kenya, invented the plastic brick.
Nzambi Matee was frustrated by the plastic bags and other plastic waste polluting her country. She wanted to create a simple and sustainable product.
Plastic bricks are twice as sturdy as concrete and cheaper than normal bricks. They are also waterproof and help eliminate plastic waste in impoverished areas.
The process for making plastic bricks involves collecting and cleaning plastic waste, shredding and separating the plastic into different types, mixing the plastic with sand and glass, and then using a hydraulic press to break the mixture into different shapes and sizes. The bricks are then cooled in a water bath.
