Recycling end-of-life WPC products into ultra-high-filled, high-performance wood fiber/polyethylene composites: a sustainable strategy for clean and cyclic processing in the WPC industry

“…Additionally, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was used in a specific study [24]. In addition to these specific categories, other types of plastic waste were also addressed in a single study [23], as shown in Figure 5. These results highlight the diversity of post-consumer plastics employed in the analyzed research, indicating that the use of plastic waste in composites is not limited to a single type of plastic, emphasizing the importance of considering a wide range of plastic waste to explore effective recycling and reuse strategies (Figure 7).…”

Section: [23]mentioning

confidence: 99%

Use of Post-Consumer Plastics in the Production of Wood-Plastic Composites for Building Components: A Systematic Review

Ribeiro,

Stolz,

Amario

et al. 2023

Energies

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This systematic review study adopted the PRISMA methodology to investigate recent research on wood-plastic composites (WPC) utilizing post-consumer plastics in the construction industry. Initially, 3111 articles were selected from academic databases using keywords such as “wood and plastic composites”, “WPC”, “polymer”, “recycled”, “waste”, “construction”, and “sustainability.” After stringent exclusion criteria, 15 relevant studies on plastic waste composites were identified. These studies often employ post-consumer plastics like polypropylene and high-density polyethylene, along with plant-based fillers, aiming to enhance mechanical properties and reduce reliance on virgin materials. Analysis of these studies revealed that the optimal plastic composition in the composites ranged from 40% to 45% wood and from 50% to 60% plastic, with the extrusion process being the most employed for shaping. Specific factors, such as the use of compatibilizers and the particle size of raw materials, were identified as significant influencers on composite strength. These materials exhibited high thermal stability, rendering them suitable for construction applications exposed to high temperatures. The diversity of plastic waste explored in the studies underscores the potential to tailor thermal properties to specific application demands. These composites facilitate closed-loop plastic recycling, enabling their reintegration into the production chain and offering opportunities for lightweight, durable, and high-performance products in the construction industry. However, beyond the factors examined in the studies, a meticulous assessment of the fire resistance, weather resistance, ultraviolet resistance, moisture absorption, dimensional stability, degradation, long-term durability, impact strength, recyclability, and cost-effectiveness of the material is crucial. Thoughtful consideration of these factors is essential to achieving a comprehensive understanding of the potential and limitations of recycled plastic composites in promoting energy efficiency and sustainability in the construction industry.

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“…20–22 Alternatively, mechanically processed polymer waste can be combined with other materials such as sand and wood to create new building materials. 23–26 However, the raw plastic waste needs to be highly pure and uniform. 22 As a result, mechanical recycling does not release CO 2 (or releases a negligible amount) because of the extremely low degree of C–X/C–C bond cleavage, which is beneficial for the environment.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“Functional upcycling” of polymer waste towards the design of new materials

et al. 2023

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Recycling end-of-life WPC products into ultra-high-filled, high-performance wood fiber/polyethylene composites: a sustainable strategy for clean and cyclic processing in the WPC industry

Cited by 32 publications

References 51 publications

Versatile chewed gum composites with liquid metal for strain sensing, electromagnetic interference shielding and flexible electronics

Versatile chewed gum composites with liquid metal for strain sensing, electromagnetic interference shielding and flexible electronics

Use of Post-Consumer Plastics in the Production of Wood-Plastic Composites for Building Components: A Systematic Review

“Functional upcycling” of polymer waste towards the design of new materials

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