Polyolefin-Based Cladding Panels from Discarded Fishing Ropes: A Sustainable Solution for Managing Fishing Gear Waste in Isolated Islands

Zakariae Belmokhtar (), Simon Sanchez-Diaz, Patrice Cousin, Saïd Elkoun and Mathieu Robert
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Zakariae Belmokhtar: Departement of Civil Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500, Boulevard de l’Université, Sherbrooke, QC J1K2R1, Canada
Simon Sanchez-Diaz: Departement of Civil Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500, Boulevard de l’Université, Sherbrooke, QC J1K2R1, Canada
Patrice Cousin: Departement of Civil Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500, Boulevard de l’Université, Sherbrooke, QC J1K2R1, Canada
Saïd Elkoun: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500, Boulevard de l’Université, Sherbrooke, QC J1K 2R1, Canada
Mathieu Robert: Departement of Civil Engineering, Université de Sherbrooke, 2500, Boulevard de l’Université, Sherbrooke, QC J1K2R1, Canada

Waste, 2024, vol. 2, issue 3, 1-17

Abstract: This study investigates the potential for recycling fishing rope waste from the Magdalen Islands, Canada, into sustainable wall cladding panels, addressing both environmental concerns and waste management challenges. A comprehensive characterization of the fishing ropes was conducted using various analytical techniques to assess their suitability for recycling. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) identified polyethylene (PE) and isotactic polypropylene (iPP) as the main polymers present in the ropes, with a composition of approximately 25% PE and 75% PP. The effects of photodegradation were evaluated through carbonyl index analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile testing, and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The results showed reduced crystallinity, a 20% decrease in tensile strength, and lower molecular weights due to environmental exposure in comparison with unused ropes. However, melt flow rate (MFR) measurements aligned with virgin HDPE and PP values used in rope manufacturing, indicating suitable processability for recycling. Panels produced from recycled fishing ropes exhibited lower flexural and impact properties compared to commercial alternatives due to the presence of mineral contaminants and voids in the panels as revealed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This comprehensive investigation provides valuable insights into the potential repurposing of fishing rope waste, contributing to the development of sustainable waste management strategies for coastal communities.

Keywords: high-density polyethylene; polypropylene; photodegradation; crystallinity (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q1 Q16 Q18 Q2 Q20 Q23 Q24 Q25 Q28 Q3 Q31 Q38 Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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