Eco-Gypsum Panels with Recycled Fishing NET Fibers for Sustainable Construction: Development and Characterization

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Sustainable Construction
• Waste Management

Background:

• Plastic waste poses environmental challenges but offers opportunities within the circular economy.
• Recycled plastics are increasingly viable for construction, enhancing conventional materials for sustainable development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate eco-gypsum composites incorporating recycled fishing net (FN) fibers.
• To assess the mechanical, hygrothermal, fire, and environmental performance of these novel composites.

Main Methods:

• Development of eco-gypsum composites with varying percentages of recycled FN fibers.
• Evaluation of mechanical properties (strength, impact hardness), hygrothermal performance (water absorption, thermal conductivity), and environmental impacts.
• Modeling the application of optimized composites in light steel frame (LSF) partition walls.

Main Results:

• All developed composites met minimum standardized strength requirements.
• The composite with 40% recycled FN fibers (FN40%) exhibited a five-fold increase in energy of rupture compared to reference gypsum.
• FN40% demonstrated 33% lower water absorption, 17% lower thermal conductivity, and 40% reduced environmental impacts.
• Modeling predicted a 4.4% increase in thermal resistance for LSF walls using FN40% composites.

Conclusions:

• Eco-friendly gypsum composite panels can be successfully produced using recycled FN fibers.
• These composites meet mechanical resistance criteria and enhance impact hardness and hygrothermal performance.
• The findings support the use of recycled fishing nets in construction for sustainable development and improved material functionality.