Use of Post-Consumer Plastics in the Production of Wood-Plastic Composites for Building Components: A Systematic Review

Leticia S. Ribeiro (), Carina M. Stolz, Mayara Amario (), Ana Lúcia Nazareth da Silva and Assed N. Haddad ()
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Leticia S. Ribeiro: Programa de Engenharia Ambiental, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
Carina M. Stolz: Departamento de Construção Civil, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
Mayara Amario: Programa de Engenharia Ambiental, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
Ana Lúcia Nazareth da Silva: Programa de Engenharia Ambiental, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil
Assed N. Haddad: Programa de Engenharia Ambiental, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-901, Brazil

Energies, 2023, vol. 16, issue 18, 1-19

Abstract: This systematic review study adopted the PRISMA methodology to investigate recent research on wood-plastic composites (WPC) utilizing post-consumer plastics in the construction industry. Initially, 3111 articles were selected from academic databases using keywords such as “wood and plastic composites”, “WPC”, “polymer”, “recycled”, “waste”, “construction”, and “sustainability.” After stringent exclusion criteria, 15 relevant studies on plastic waste composites were identified. These studies often employ post-consumer plastics like polypropylene and high-density polyethylene, along with plant-based fillers, aiming to enhance mechanical properties and reduce reliance on virgin materials. Analysis of these studies revealed that the optimal plastic composition in the composites ranged from 40% to 45% wood and from 50% to 60% plastic, with the extrusion process being the most employed for shaping. Specific factors, such as the use of compatibilizers and the particle size of raw materials, were identified as significant influencers on composite strength. These materials exhibited high thermal stability, rendering them suitable for construction applications exposed to high temperatures. The diversity of plastic waste explored in the studies underscores the potential to tailor thermal properties to specific application demands. These composites facilitate closed-loop plastic recycling, enabling their reintegration into the production chain and offering opportunities for lightweight, durable, and high-performance products in the construction industry. However, beyond the factors examined in the studies, a meticulous assessment of the fire resistance, weather resistance, ultraviolet resistance, moisture absorption, dimensional stability, degradation, long-term durability, impact strength, recyclability, and cost-effectiveness of the material is crucial. Thoughtful consideration of these factors is essential to achieving a comprehensive understanding of the potential and limitations of recycled plastic composites in promoting energy efficiency and sustainability in the construction industry.

Keywords: wood-plastic composites (WPC); polymer; recycled plastic; plastic waste; construction; sustainability (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
References: View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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