Advances in Polymer Composites with Upcycling Waste

A special issue of Polymers (ISSN 2073-4360). This special issue belongs to the section "Circular and Green Polymer Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 September 2024 | Viewed by 1906

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Chemical and Process Engineering, University of Canterbury, Christchurch 8041, New Zealand
Interests: waste to material conversion; polymer rheology; polymer composites with fibers and particles; polymer characterizations
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Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue aims to provide a platform for cutting-edge advancements in polymer composites utilizing upcycled wastes. Our mission is to foster innovative research that revolutionizes the way we view waste materials, transforming them into high-performance composites with vast applications. We encourage interdisciplinary contributions that explore novel synthesis techniques, manufacturing processes, characterization methods, and novel applications, all with a focus on eco-friendly practices and circular economy principles. This Special Issue seeks to accelerate the development of sustainable solutions, reducing our environmental impact while enhancing the mechanical, thermal, and chemical properties of composites. Eventually, we would shape a more sustainable future through innovation and responsible material usage.

Dr. Heon E. Park
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • novel methods for recycling and upcycling waste materials
  • new methods to characterize and test
  • thermal stability and degradation
  • life cycle assessment and sustainability analysis
  • interface engineering and adhesion improvement
  • manufacturing techniques for large-scale production
  • challenges and opportunities in commercializing
  • application in construction and infrastructure
  • usages in automotive, aerospace, and transportation industries
  • bio-based fillers and reinforcements
  • circular economy models and policy implications
  • case studies and success stories

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Published Papers (2 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 11026 KiB  
Article
Stretch-Induced Spin-Cast Membranes Based on Semi-Crystalline Polymers for Efficient Microfiltration
by Junaid Saleem, Zubair Khalid Baig Moghal, Ahsan Hafeez, Samra Sajjad, Mohammad Shoaib, Johaina Alahmad and Gordon McKay
Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1799; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131799 - 25 Jun 2024
Viewed by 695
Abstract
Microfiltration membranes derived from semi-crystalline polymers face various challenges when synthesized through the extrusion–casting technique, including the use of large quantities of polymer, long casting times, and the generation of substantial waste. This study focuses on synthesizing these membranes using spin-casting, followed by [...] Read more.
Microfiltration membranes derived from semi-crystalline polymers face various challenges when synthesized through the extrusion–casting technique, including the use of large quantities of polymer, long casting times, and the generation of substantial waste. This study focuses on synthesizing these membranes using spin-casting, followed by stretch-induced pore formation. Recycled high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and virgin polyethylene powder, combined with a calcium carbonate filler, were used as the source materials for the membranes. The influence of the polymer–filler ratio with and without stretching on the morphology, tensile strength, and water flow rate was investigated. Optimal conditions were determined, emphasizing a balance between pore structure and mechanical integrity. The permeable membrane exhibited a water flow rate of 19 mL/min, a tensile strength of 32 MPa, and a water contact angle of 126°. These membranes effectively eliminated suspended particles from water, with their performance evaluated against that of commercially available membranes. This research, carried out utilizing the spin-casting technique, outlines a synthesis route for microfiltration membranes tailored to semi-crystalline polymers and their plastic forms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polymer Composites with Upcycling Waste)
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27 pages, 7932 KiB  
Article
Hemp Fiber-Reinforced Polymers Composite Jacketing Technique for Sustainable and Environment-Friendly Concrete
by Panumas Saingam, Qudeer Hussain, Gritsada Sua-iam, Adnan Nawaz and Ali Ejaz
Polymers 2024, 16(13), 1774; https://doi.org/10.3390/polym16131774 - 23 Jun 2024
Viewed by 547
Abstract
This research suggested natural hemp fiber-reinforced ropes (FRR) polymer usage to reinforce recycled aggregate square concrete columns that contain fired-clay solid brick aggregates in order to reduce the high costs associated with synthetic fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs). A total of 24 square columns of [...] Read more.
This research suggested natural hemp fiber-reinforced ropes (FRR) polymer usage to reinforce recycled aggregate square concrete columns that contain fired-clay solid brick aggregates in order to reduce the high costs associated with synthetic fiber-reinforced polymers (FRPs). A total of 24 square columns of concrete were fabricated to conduct this study. The samples were tested under a monotonic axial compression load. The variables of interest were the strength of unconfined concrete and the number of FRR layers. According to the results, the strengthened specimens demonstrated an increased compressive strength and ductility. Notably, the specimens with the smallest unconfined strength demonstrated the largest improvement in compressive strength and ductility. Particularly, the compressive strength and strain were enhanced by up to 181% and 564%, respectively. In order to predict the ultimate confined compressive stress and strain, this study investigated a number of analytical stress–strain models. A comparison of experimental and theoretical findings deduced that only a limited number of strength models resulted in close predictions, whereas an even larger scatter was observed for strain prediction. Machine learning was employed by using neural networks to predict the compressive strength. A dataset comprising 142 specimens strengthened with hemp FRP was extracted from the literature. The neural network was trained on the extracted dataset, and its performance was evaluated for the experimental results of this study, which demonstrated a close agreement. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Polymer Composites with Upcycling Waste)
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