Sustainable recycling technologies for thermoplastic polymers and their composites: A review of the state of the art

Abstract

This review article discusses the environmental and economic effects of recycling, as well as sustainable thermoplastic polymer recycling technologies. Several researchers have utilized recycled thermoplastics as matrices in the production of a variety of natural and synthetic‐based composites, which is also the focus of this study. All of the industries (food and packaging, construction and building, transportation, and indoor usage) where recycled thermoplastics have a large market share (food and packaging, construction and building, transportation, and indoor usage) are covered in this review. The desirable properties of thermoplastic polymers, such as corrosion resistance, low density, and user‐friendliness, have caused plastic production to surpass aluminum and other metals in use over the past 60 years. Furthermore, recycling is one of the most important measures available to mitigate these effects and is one of the most dynamic segments of the plastics industry at present. Increased landfilling and incineration of plastics have a negative impact on the ecosystem, and the continued increase in the production of virgin fossil plastic also has a negative impact on the environment. Consequently, this continuous production could lead to the depletion of fossil fuel resources, an increase in environmental emissions during processing, and eventual incineration. Increasing numbers of nations are adopting the circular economy concept in an effort to avoid all of these problems. This concept emphasizes the reuse of products and resources, as well as the recycling of materials according to the waste hierarchy, rather than their cremation or disposal in the environment.

Effect of large sized reed fillers on properties and degradability of PBAT composites

“…It causes serious soil and marine pollution to threaten human health. [ 7–9 ] Biodegradable plastics, such as PLA, [ 10–14 ] PCL, [ 15–17 ] PBS, [ 18–20 ] and PBAT, [ 21,22 ] have been widely used in medical, agriculture, and packaging industries to replace non‐degradable materials to alleviate current environmental problems because they can be degraded to harmless substances such as H 2 O and CO 2 with the participation of microorganisms. [ 23–25 ]…”

Use of covalent dynamic networks as binders on epoxy‐based carbon fiber composites: Effect on properties, processing, and recyclability

“…However, processing is more expensive in comparison to the other composite classes. For thermoplastic 11 and elastomers, it is possible to melt the material, and this allows recyling within more cost effective processes 12 . On the other hand, thermosets cannot be reprocessed/recycled by means of conventional procedures.…”

Biopolymer-coated composites for enhanced dielectric and electromagnetic interference shielding applications - a green initiative

“…So, the entire research community evinced their boundless interest and massive concern towards waste management and environmental protection primarily caused by plastics [5][6][7]. However, finding a better replacement material than plastics and conventional materials is another challenging task for all the researchers as the existing material has firmly rooted its prints with their excellent properties [8,9]. Therefore, natural fibres, also called plant-derived fibres, have started making their footmarks as a suitable replacement material.…”