Dual-Waste Integration of Nickel Slag and Cement-Treated HDPE for Sustainable Masonry Block Production
Received: 16 March 2026 | Revised: 31 March 2026 and 18 April 2026 | Accepted: 30 April 2026 | Online: 6 June 2026
Corresponding author: Ahmad
Abstract
Using industrial and domestic waste in construction materials is a sustainable way to develop infrastructure. This study presents a novel dual-waste approach that combines nickel slag as a fine aggregate with cement-treated High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) at an ultra-low substitution level of 0.2–1%. Unlike conventional polymer-modified systems, this study shows that using a small amount of surface-engineered HDPE can improve mechanical performance under controlled conditions without the detrimental effects of higher polymer dosages. Concrete blocks with a constant water-to-cement (w/c) ratio of 0.52 were produced and cured for 28 days in accordance with the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) requirements. The results show that ultra-low HDPE incorporation leads to a controlled reduction in density (2,543.75–2,211.45 kg/m³) while maintaining structural integrity. Water absorption remained within the limits of SNI 03-0349-1989 (5.24–6.67%), indicating effective porosity control through the surfaces of the cement-treated polymer. Compressive strength increased from 7.12 MPa in the control mixture to 10.04 MPa at 0.8% HDPE, achieving Grade I classification. Strain behavior indicates improved deformability, suggesting a transition toward a more ductile response compared to conventional brittle cementitious systems. This study shows that ultra-low, surface-modified HDPE can achieve comparable or improved performance while minimizing material disruption, proposing a precision-based material design strategy that enhances mechanical properties and promotes sustainable waste usage in masonry block production.
Keywords:
nickel slag, cement-treated HDPE, concrete blocks, compressive strength, sustainable construction materialsReferences
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