Gypsum-Based Composites with Recycled PP/HDPE Pellets for Circular Material Development: A Comprehensive...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Environmental Engineering
• Sustainable Construction

Background:

• Plastic waste, particularly from fishing nets, poses a significant environmental challenge in marine ecosystems.
• There is a growing need for innovative solutions to manage and repurpose plastic waste into valuable materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize gypsum-based composites incorporating recycled polypropylene (PP) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) from Mediterranean fishing nets.
• To evaluate the mechanical, physical, thermal, and environmental performance of these novel composites.

Main Methods:

• Development of gypsum composites with partial substitution (up to 30% by volume) of original material by recycled PP/HDPE pellets.
• Comprehensive testing including flexural and compressive strength, water absorption, thermal conductivity, and life cycle analysis (LCA).

Main Results:

• Composites exhibited flexural (2.72 MPa) and compressive (7.15 MPa) strengths exceeding standard requirements, even at 30% recycled content.
• A significant reduction in total water absorption (up to 20.5%) and thermal conductivity (14.9%) was observed compared to traditional gypsum.
• Life cycle analysis indicated a reduction in environmental impact, with CO2 equivalent emissions decreased by up to 13.1%.

Conclusions:

• Gypsum composites incorporating recycled fishing net plastics demonstrate excellent mechanical and physical properties.
• These materials offer a sustainable and environmentally beneficial alternative for prefabricated building elements, contributing to plastic waste management.