Ecodesign of Construction and Demolition Waste-Derived Thermoplastic Composites

Abstract

The use of recycled materials in composites has been studied since the 1990s. Research has traditionally focused on technical properties, as well as the recyclability of materials. How these composites should be used or selected for new applications is usually left open. This information gap, together with the challenges associated with the reuse of recycled materials, make their selection difficult for the designer.

This dissertation focuses on the factors influencing the material selection process of composite material made from construction and demolition waste (CDW). The technical properties, cost-effectiveness, carbon footprint and their compatibility with ecodesign principles were investigated. It combines aspects of design, materials science, production economics, and waste management to form an overall picture of these materials from the perspective of the designer and, in part, the processor.

The processing of construction waste plastic, wood, mineral wool, and gypsum into composites is possible. At the product component level, the main supporting ecodesign criteria for CDW composites is the use of recycled material and avoided global warming impact if virgin plastics are replaced. Ecodesign criteria, such as the use of lower energy content materials, renewable materials, and recyclable materials work against composites. The challenges of using CDW are related to the safety, relatively low reinforcement properties, and quality variance of end-of-life materials caused by their life cycle and local conditions of the built environment. The designer should compare the processing cost, environmental issues, production and the properties carefully to fully benefit from adaptation of novel material.