Abstract:
This study determines the grain size distribution parameters (GSDP), specific gravity (SG), apparent density (AD), and major oxide composition of Monatélé-Sanaga river sand (MSRS) and chamotte; combined with recycled PET plastic wastes to process composite-polymer roofing tile’s test specimens; on which physical and mechanical tests were performed to evaluate their quality. The aim of this study is to develop a sustainable construction material with a reduced environmental footprint. The GSDP(FM: 2.94, Cu: 3.6 , and Cc: 1.36), SG (2.59 g/cm3), and AD (1.5976 g/cm3) for MSRS show that it is medium to a bit coarse-grained with high variability, not well sorted, and with slightly low-density suitable for its use to produce polymer-composite roofing tiles. The sand is dominantly composed of SiO2(65.79 wt.%) with significant Al2O3 (12.08 wt.%), K2O (4.1 wt.%), and CaO (1.3 wt.%); probably due to the presence of quartz and aluminosilicate minerals important for the production of ceramic roofing tiles. Particle size (45.6 % of fine-grained size, 37.6 % of medium grained size, and 16.8 % coarse-grained size), SG (1.74 g/cm3), and AD (1.26 g/cm3) for chamotte classify it as fine to coarse-grained, very low-SG; and as lightweight insulating type (compatible with those used in processing composite roofing tiles). The chamotte (classified as low Al2O3 and slightly high alkaline type), is dominantly made up of SiO2 (64.94 wt.%) with interesting Al2O3 (12.7 wt.%), CaO (1.03 wt.%), and K2O+ Na2O (6.49 wt.%), The AD (2.118-1.637 g/cm3), Wab (≤1.362 %) and P(≤ 2.032 %) place the formulated test specimens within the low water absorption, and less porous type. The FS (1.22- 6.12 MPa) and CS (9.76 -19.84 MPa) show an increase in the CS (much higher than that of standard ceramic roofing tiles).
Keywords: Recycled PET,
Chamotte,
River sand,
Ceramic–polymer composites,
Roofing tiles,
Mechanical properties,
Sustainable construction materials
Recieved: 03.03.2026,
Revised: 17.04.2026,
Accepted: 03.05.2026
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