MUHAMMAD FAWWAZ AMSYAR BIN SUHAIMI SEKOLAH MENENGAH SAINS TUN SYED SHEH SHAHABUDIN
The increasing accumulation of plastic waste, particularly polyvinyl chloride (PVC), poses significant environmental challenges due to its non-biodegradable nature and long-term ecological impact. This project introduces MoPVC Waste for Landscaping, an innovative and sustainable material solution that converts discarded PVC conduit waste into high-performance stepping stones for landscaping applications.
The fabrication process involves mechanical shredding of PVC waste followed by binding with epoxy resin and hardener to produce a composite material. The mixture is cast into moulds and allowed to cure over a period of three days, forming a structurally stable product. The resulting composite exhibits enhanced properties, including water resistance, anti-moss surface characteristics, and minimal maintenance requirements, making it highly suitable for outdoor environments.
Mechanical and durability assessments indicate that MoPVC stepping stones possess sufficient strength, weather resistance, and cost efficiency to serve as a practical alternative to conventional cement-based paving materials. In addition, the production process reduces reliance on natural resources such as sand and cement, thereby lowering carbon footprint and supporting sustainable material innovation.
This project aligns with circular economy principles by transforming plastic waste into value-added construction products. MoPVC Waste for Landscaping demonstrates strong potential for scalable application in green landscaping while contributing to environmental conservation, waste reduction, and sustainable development goals.