The Re-/Up-Cycling of Wood Waste in Wood–Polymer Composites (WPCs) for Common Applications

Abstract

Wood–polymer composites (WPCs) are a class of materials intensively studied and promoted in the context of sustainable development, mainly when aspects related to the increasing awareness of environmental issues and waste management are considered. Feasible opportunities for producing WPCs with value-added properties intended for common applications emerge when polymers, either synthetic or from renewable resources, raw or waste, are employed in re-/up-cycling approaches. In this context, some examples of easily achievable WPCs are presented herein, namely, formulations based on different wood waste and polymer matrices (synthetic: polypropylene and malleated polypropylene as a compatibilizer; natural: plasticized starch). Their level of performance was assessed through different characterization methods (FTIR, WAXD, TGA, DSC, mechanical test, etc.). The benefits and limitations of this approach are also discussed.

Biotechnological Solutions for Recycling Synthetic Fibers

“…The resulting degradation products, such as monomers and oligomers, can serve as feedstocks for biopolymers, biofuels, and other value-added products, reducing dependence on fossil resources. In addition, enzymatic degradation helps reduce the environmental impact associated with the accumulation of synthetic fiber waste [19][20][21]. Bei et al investigated the enzymatic degradability of the three polyester types using cutinase and found that the biological degradability depends on the spacing of the ester groups and the crystallinity.…”

Evaluation of Starch–Garlic Husk Polymeric Composites through Mechanical, Thermal, and Thermo-Mechanical Tests

“…For this reason, the socioeconomic system must be based on a circular economy and the use of biodegradable materials to mitigate environmental pollution derived from plastics [ 2 ]. On the other hand, waste recycling is considered one of the main processes to significantly minimize the consumption of virgin materials and increase the amount of recycled waste [ 6 ]. Furthermore, using biodegradable and ecological materials is another alternative to mitigate environmental pollution [ 7 ].…”

Comparative Analysis of Cellulose, Hemicellulose and Lignin on The Physical and Thermal Properties of Wood Sawdust for Bio-Composite Material Fillers

“…Natural resources to reinforcement of composite materials emphasize mechanical strength in hardness, tensile strength, flexural strength, and elastic modulus as fibre content properties [1,2]. Other parameters, like aspect ratio and volume fraction, can improve load transfer on the interfacial layer to increase mechanical strength and have been widely studied [3,4].…”