Why is it important | Use disposable diapers to make concrete?

Scientists have proposed a unique solution to incorporate disposable diapers into building materials to make them cost-effective and environmentally friendly. |Picture source: AP

What are the facts? Building materials around the world are not only expensive, but are ecologically harmful and have contributed greatly to carbon emissions. A new one Paper Published in journals nature A unique solution has been proposed: incorporating disposable diapers into building materials to make them cost-effective and environmentally friendly. The study focused on Indonesia and also reported that disposable diaper waste can contribute 10% to composite materials and 40% to non-structural and building components. The prototype house built allows researchers to determine that a 36-square-meter housing area may require 1.73 cubic meters of disposable diaper waste.

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What is a context?

• Like many developing countries, Indonesia’s urban populations are growing rapidly. The main result of this is increased housing demand and waste management.

• Indonesia also has a big gap between housing demand and supply.

• According to the study, the country faces a backlog of 300,000 housing units each year, with demand as high as 780,000 units.

• To date, stakeholders are able to provide 400,000-500,000 units per year.

• In 2020, the country also generated 32.76 million tons of waste.

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Why is it important?

• In Indonesia, concrete bricks, wood and ceramics remain the most commonly used building materials, and their manufacturing (especially concrete) has made a significant contribution to the country’s carbon emissions.

• Even if builders use materials such as clay tiles and ceramic tiles (easy to use), their carbon footprint remains high due to the specific energy required to produce and transport materials.

• Research points out that concrete made of disposable concrete not only has the same mechanical properties and microbial content as conventional concrete, but also produces “strong and durable materials” when properly manufactured.

• Recycling disposable diapers as components of concrete, rather than incineration or joint firing, can further shrink its carbon footprint.