Article
Chemistry, Physical
Katarzyna Gabrys, Raimondas Sadzevicius, Midona Dapkiene, Dainius Ramukevicius, Wojciech Sas
Summary: The study confirms that fRCA can be used as a replacement for natural soil in new concrete, offering many advantages. However, there are critical barriers to the development of fRCA in new mixes, particularly the variability of its properties. This study examines the influence of fine fraction content on the dynamic properties of fRCA and provides insights for designing fRCA mixtures in engineering applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mojtaba Enayati, Somayeh Mohammadi, Martin G. Bouldo
Summary: This study reports the use of waste PET water bottle labels for the chemical recycling of PET bottles. The solid fillers recovered from the bottle labels were used as a catalyst for PET depolymerization. The catalyst prepared at 800°C showed the best performance, achieving 100% PET conversion and 95.8% BHET yield.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Asim Rifa, Sk M. Subhani, A. Bahurudeen, Kumar Gedela Santhosh
Summary: This study comprehensively compares the performance of recycled fine aggregate concrete with other alternative fine aggregates. The results show that recycled concrete fine aggregate can meet the requirements within a certain range.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Kayee Chan, Anatoly Zinchenko
Summary: The study introduces a method for converting waste PET bottles into hydrogels through PET aminolysis and cross-linking, demonstrating the potential for reusing plastic waste. The PET-derived hydrogels show promising adsorption capacity for anionic dyes, suggesting potential applications in various fields such as environmental remediation, agriculture, and separation processes.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Civil
Md Jihad Miah, Huaping Ren, Suvash Chandra Paul, Adewumi John Babafemi, Raju Sharma, Jeong Gook Jang
Summary: Waste tire fine aggregate can be used as a substitute for natural aggregate in concrete, reducing aggregate consumption and promoting sustainable development. However, as the content of waste tire fine aggregate increases, the mechanical strength and splitting tensile strength of the concrete decrease.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xiaoyi Quan, Sheliang Wang, Juntao Li, Jia Luo, Kangning Liu, Jin Xu, Nan Zhao, Yang Liu
Summary: The increasing emissions of construction waste and industrial by-products have caused a serious burden on the environment. The shortage of natural coarse aggregate (NCA) and river sand provides the impetus for the reuse of solid waste. This research provides a cleaner option for the production of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) from industrial by-product molybdenum tailings (MTs). The appropriate amount of MTs significantly improves the pore structure and mechanical properties of RAC, but excessive use increases the porosity of the concrete.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Ayse Bicer
Summary: This study presents a method for recycling expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) in a waste state, turning it into modified EPS aggregates for use in lightweight concrete. Through heat treatment, the low compressive strength of EPS aggregate concretes has been improved, making them suitable for semi-carrier lightweight concrete applications. The modified EPS aggregate concretes have varying thermal conductivity coefficients and can be used for both insulation and structural purposes.
JOURNAL OF BUILDING ENGINEERING
(2021)
Review
Construction & Building Technology
Osman Gencel, Omer Karadag, Osman Hulusi Oren, Turhan Bilir
Summary: This study examined the usage of steel slag in the cement and concrete industry, its environmental effects, physical and chemical structure, effects on concrete characteristics, and applications in different usage areas. The study evaluated the content and results of investigations on steel slag usage and its intended effects. Despite the inconvenience in storing and releasing these factory by-products into nature, assessing them at different sites around the world and reusing them can bring benefits in terms of both economic and ecological balance.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Renuka Senthil Muthalvan, Mervin Sanjith Innocent Prasanna
Summary: Waste tyre-rubber disposal is a serious global problem, and this study investigates the performance of concrete using recycled tyre-rubber waste as a partial replacement for natural fine aggregate. The experimental investigations found that a 5% replacement of crumb rubber is the optimum percentage to develop the crumb rubber concrete, and the proposed model of rubberized concrete is suitable for structural elements exposed to acidic environmental conditions.
MATERIALI IN TEHNOLOGIJE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Jeonghyun Kim, Haneol Jang
Summary: This study investigates the closed-loop recycling potential of construction waste by evaluating the effects of repeated use of concrete powder generated in the production of recycled aggregates on the mechanical properties of concrete. The experiment results show that the replacement ratio and the number of recycling are parameters that affect the properties of concrete, with the replacement ratio having a greater impact. The strength of concrete containing 10-20% concrete powder surpasses the target strength after three times of recycling, and the cost and environmental benefits increase with the number of concrete powder recycling.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Geochemistry & Geophysics
Yanlin Huang, An Zhou
Summary: The study showed that the compressive and tensile strength of coal gangue concrete increased with the substitution rate of coal gangue. Additionally, the addition of PET fibers effectively improved the mechanical properties of the coal gangue fine aggregate concrete, reducing its brittleness.
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Hussein Hamada, Alyaa Alattar, Bassam Tayeh, Fadzil Yahaya, Adeyemi Adesina
Summary: The construction industry's focus on sustainability and reducing negative environmental impacts has led to the use of industrial waste in concrete production. Coal bottom ash (CBA) is one such waste that can be used as fine aggregate in concrete. Existing studies have shown that CBA can be a sustainable alternative to natural aggregates for producing normal and high-strength concrete. However, further research is needed to understand the effects of CBA's physical and chemical properties on concrete performance.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Bogachan Basaran, Ilker Kalkan, Ceyhun Aksoylu, Yasin Onuralp Ozkilic, Mohanad Muayad Sabri Sabri
Summary: The use of marble wastes in concrete mixtures has gained attention in the construction industry. However, existing studies on the effects of different forms of marble waste on concrete compressive strength have not reached clear conclusions, which limits its widespread use. Therefore, this study compiled 429 concrete mixtures with marble aggregates and conducted multivariate regression analyses to examine the relationships between test parameters and changes in concrete compressive strength. The results show that aggregate replacements of up to 50% can significantly affect the strength, regardless of the form of marble waste. The developed equations can accurately predict the strength changes with varying amounts and forms of marble aggregates.
Review
Construction & Building Technology
S. N. Chinnu, S. N. Minnu, A. Bahurudeen, R. Senthilkumar
Summary: This review article focuses on the production of alternative coarse aggregates using waste materials from agricultural and industrial sectors, and reports the influence of these materials on the properties of concrete. The production processes and influencing factors of artificial aggregates are also presented in this review.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Lianfang Sun, Xingji Zhu, Minjae Kim, Goangseup Zi
Summary: By incorporating pretreated sodalime glass particles as fine aggregates in concrete, the alkali-silica reaction (ASR) can be mitigated while enhancing the strength of the concrete. The best results were observed with pretreatment in a mixed solution at 80 degrees C for 7 days, reducing ASR expansion by approximately 50% and increasing 28-day compressive strength by about 6%.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Antonio Turco, Anna Grazia Monteduro, Francesco Montagna, Elisabetta Primiceri, Mariaenrica Frigione, Giuseppe Maruccio
Summary: A novel nanoarchitectonics strategy was developed to prepare an elastomeric/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) 3D porous piezoresistive nanocomposite with excellent properties. The material exhibited well dispersed pristine CNTs on both surface and bulk, along with improved piezoresistive properties and high sensitivity at low displacement. The nanocomposite could be used in various applications with outstanding flexibility.
JOURNAL OF COLLOID AND INTERFACE SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Antonella Sarcinella, Jose Luis Barroso de Aguiar, Mariaenrica Frigione
Summary: The aim of this study was to develop a form-stable phase change material (PCM) that can reduce the use of nonrenewable energy resources for heating and cooling buildings in different climatic conditions. The researchers used vacuum impregnation to produce a sustainable PCM from waste stone granules and a low-toxicity polyethylene glycol. The thermal properties and stability of the PCM were evaluated, and it was added to lime-based mortar for potential application in ancient buildings.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Antonella Sarcinella, Jose Luis Barroso de Aguiar, Mariaenrica Frigione
Summary: In this study, two form-stable phase change materials were produced using low-cost, low-environmental-impact polymers. These materials were added to different types of mortars, and the results showed that suitable workability and mechanical properties can be achieved with the proper selection of mortar formulations. Additionally, the choice of polymer type can make the phase change materials suitable for applications in different climate conditions.
Article
Polymer Science
Anna Rudawska, Mariaenrica Frigione
Summary: The aim of this study is to assess the influence of different commercial diluents on the mechanical properties of bisphenolic epoxy compounds. The results indicate that the type, amount, and mechanical characteristics of the diluents have an impact on the performance of the epoxy compounds.
Editorial Material
Polymer Science
Mariaenrica Frigione
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Mohammad Eyni Kangavar, Weena Lokuge, Allan Manalo, Warna Karunasena, Mariaenrica Frigione
Summary: This study examines the performance of concrete containing recycled PET waste in replacing fine aggregate. The experimental results show that replacing 10% of fine aggregate with recycled PET granules has a positive impact on the characteristics of the concrete, improving its workability and ductility. The mechanical properties of the concrete with PET granules show a strong linear relationship with available design guidelines. Overall, the study finds that replacing 10% of fine aggregate with PET granules results in the optimum performance.
CASE STUDIES IN CONSTRUCTION MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Antonio Turco, Anna Grazia Monteduro, Francesco Montagna, Elisabetta Primiceri, Mariaenrica Frigione, Giuseppe Maruccio
Summary: The length of carbon nanotubes plays a key role in obtaining porous 3D elastomeric nanocomposites with different electrical and mechanical properties. Longer CNTs result in materials with better mechanical stability and conductivity, and a lower limit of detection as piezoresistive sensors. Longer CNTs also allow for faster recovery of shape and electrical properties during press/release cycles, leading to faster response at different pressures.
Article
Polymer Science
Antonio Turco, Anna Grazia Monteduro, Francesco Montagna, Elisabetta Primiceri, Mariaenrica Frigione, Giuseppe Maruccio
Summary: Carbon nanotube polymeric composites have been widely developed in piezoresistive sensors, but they are less sensitive and cannot be tuned to adapt to different applications compared to carbon aerogels. By modifying solvent dilution, we fabricated porous piezoresistive nanocomposites with different detection limits, working ranges, and sensitivities.
Article
Polymer Science
Amina Aragosa, Benedetta Saccomanno, Valeria Specchia, Mariaenrica Frigione
Summary: This study aims to utilize agro-industrial residues as a carbon source to synthesize a biodegradable bio-based polymer called polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB). Strain 1B isolated from argan soil was identified as belonging to the genus Sphingomonas. The PHB production was optimized by selecting physical and nutritional parameters, and the use of argan residues led to higher yield compared to simple sugars.
Article
Polymer Science
Anna Rudawska, Katarzyna Sarna-Bos, Adrianna Rudawska, Ewa Olewnik-Kruszkowska, Mariaenrica Frigione
Summary: This study investigated the biological and toxicity properties of cured epoxy resin-based compounds. The results showed that using epoxy resins in a cured state is safe.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Mariaenrica Frigione, Antonella Sarcinella, Jose Luis Barroso de Aguiar
Summary: The research focuses on the usage of phase-change materials (PCMs) to reduce the energy consumption in heating/cooling of buildings. The originality lies in the selection of suitable polymers as PCMs for different climatic conditions, and the use of low-toxic, low-flammability polymers in waste stone fragments to produce sustainable PCMs. These PCMs were added to mortars and proved to improve indoor temperature in plasters.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Antonella Sarcinella, Mariaenrica Frigione
Summary: The protection of concrete structures is crucial to increase their service life and reduce maintenance costs. Traditional coatings are based on petroleum derivatives, but in order to protect human health and the environment, research has focused on finding alternative materials. This review analyzes and presents new sustainable products that can be used as protective treatments for concrete, including natural and waste materials.
Review
Energy & Fuels
Sandra Cunha, Antonella Sarcinella, Jose Aguiar, Mariaenrica Frigione
Summary: The construction industry plays a major role in high energy consumption, particularly in heating and cooling needs of buildings. This has gained significant attention from the scientific community, governments, and authorities worldwide, especially in the European Union, due to recent international conflicts that prompted countries to reconsider their energy policies. Historic energy consumption has heavily relied on non-renewable sources like natural gas, oil, and coal. Urgent measures are needed to minimize these high-energy consumptions and transition towards clean and renewable energy sources. In recent years, phase change materials (PCM) have garnered significant interest and development for their ability to reduce energy consumption in buildings by utilizing solar energy through thermal storage. This study provides a perspective on the evolution and application of thermal storage technology with the incorporation of PCM in the construction sector, focusing on the latest 10 years of research and showcasing recent developments in application across construction materials such as mortars, concrete, porous aggregates, naturally-based materials, carbon-based materials, boards, blocks, and solar thermal systems.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Teresa Silvestri, Paola Di Donato, Irene Bonadies, Annarita Poli, Mariaenrica Frigione, Marco Biondi, Laura Mayol
Summary: The widespread use of synthetic plastics and the waste generated at the end of their life cycle have significant environmental impacts. Bio-based plastics, made from renewable resources, offer a promising alternative to petroleum-based materials. The food industry's waste is one potential source of biopolymers, which can provide a sustainable and eco-friendly solution to waste management. This study aims to extract polysaccharide fractions from lemon, tomato, and fennel waste and characterize their chemical-physical and thermodynamic properties. The solubility of the extracted polysaccharides in different solvents was determined, and acid-base titration and thermoanalytical tests were conducted. The feasibility of electrospinning waste polysaccharides to obtain polysaccharide-based membranes was also investigated. Electrospun fibers could be a promising structure/system for applying waste polysaccharides in packaging or well-being applications.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Antonella Sarcinella, Jose Luis Barroso de Aguiar, Carlos Jesus, Mariaenrica Frigione
Summary: The purpose of a phase change material (PCM) is to store/release energy during its transition from solid to liquid state, having suitable melting/crystallization temperatures comparable to environmental temperatures. The inclusion of a PCM in construction elements helps to reduce energy consumption for heating and cooling of buildings, provided that the phase transition range corresponds to the environmental temperature variation. Therefore, identifying suitable PCMs for different climate zones is crucial.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiaojian Liu, Bei Wang, Yayun Ma, Xiangyang Zhou, Juan Yang, Yuehui He, Jingjing Tang, Fanyun Su, Wan Yang
Summary: This study proposes a combined process of reduction roasting of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid leaching to improve the recovery efficiency of lithium from spent lithium-ion batteries. By utilizing the reducing gas produced from the pyrolysis of herb-medicine residue, the layered structure of the cathode powder is destroyed and converted into Li2CO3, Ni, Co, and MnO. Additionally, selective extraction of lithium is achieved using oxalic acid, and the efficiency and kinetics of lithium extraction are improved under the combined action of herb-medicine residue and oxalic acid.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Muxina Konarova, Nuno Batalha, Gabriel Fraga, Mohamed H. M. Ahmed, Steven Pratt, Bronwyn Laycock
Summary: This study presents a proof of concept for a technology that integrates PET recovery from mixed plastic waste and plastic pyrolysis. By depolymerizing PET into TPA using a low volatility oil as medium, it achieves low-pressure operation and a selective separation and recovery of TPA from the product mix. Full PET conversion and high TPA recovery were achieved, making it an effective solution for processing mixed waste streams and improving the yield and quality of liquid product from thermal pyrolysis compared to untreated feedstock.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhenhua Sun, Jing Li, Xuejiang Wang, Siqing Xia, Jianfu Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the influence of in-situ formed MgFe2O4 on the hydrothermal treatment of swine manure. The results showed that the in-situ formation of MgFe2O4 improved the dehydration and decarboxylation of organic components in swine manure, thereby improving its carbonization degree. Furthermore, it enhanced the stabilization of heavy metals and the retention of phosphorus. MgFe2O4 modified hydrochars exhibited remarkable adsorption capacity for Pb(II) and Cu(II) without any leaching of heavy metals.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yijing Jiang, Boyang Leng, Jingxin Xi
Summary: The increased generation of municipal solid waste has had a significant impact on the economy, environment, and public health. The current waste treatment process has limitations. By developing a comprehensive social costing model, this study assesses the impacts of municipal solid waste management throughout its life cycle and provides policymakers with best practices and feasibility information.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Marina Hernandes de Paula e Silva, Ricardo Coser Mergulha, Jose Geraldo Vidal Vieira, Andrea Brasco Pampanelli, Rodrigo Salvador, Diogo Aparecido Lopes Silva
Summary: This study developed and implemented a self-assessment tool to assist companies in decision-making processes for establishing circular flows based on Lean Manufacturing and Circular Economy principles. The tool utilized a maturity model and was applied to nine companies of varying characteristics. The findings revealed that certain companies showed higher maturity in water-waste and chemical-emissions management, with larger enterprises focusing on these strategies. However, many companies lacked sufficient training and employee awareness prior to seeking cleaner alternatives, and comprehensive actions to manage the product lifecycle were lacking. To address these gaps, the tool provided tailored recommendations for each company to improve their processes, products, and value chain.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Gamze Dogdu, Turgay Pekdemir, Sanaz Lakestani, Seyda Karabork, Osman Cavus
Summary: This paper presents data on food waste associated with mini size food packaging services, highlighting the difficulties in emptying the food and consumer wastefulness as the main causes. These findings have significant implications for the sustainability of food and relevant packaging.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Qingxia Li, Xin Kong, Yuxin Chen, Jianan Niu, Jia Jing, Jin Yuan, Yifeng Zhang
Summary: This study investigates how to enhance methane production from food waste after hydrothermal pretreatment. The results demonstrate a significant increase in methane yield when zero-valent iron and magnetite are used together, and high organic loading is favorable for methane production. Microbial diversity analysis further reveals the dominant pathways and metabolic processes involved in methane generation.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
D. H. H. Sim, I. A. W. Tan, L. L. P. Lim, E. T. Lau, B. H. Hameed
Summary: The development of controlled-release fertilizer formulation is important for preventing environmental pollution caused by nutrient leaching and volatilization. This study combined biochar-based fertilizer with encapsulation technology to improve the nutrient release mechanism. Optimal conditions for synthesizing urea-impregnated biochar (UIB) were determined using central composite design, and the release of nitrogen was described by mathematical models. Results showed that encapsulated UIB (EUIB) achieved complete release of nitrogen in water and exhibited improved water retention in sandy-textural soil. Therefore, EUIB derived from peppercorn waste has the potential to be used as a sustainable controlled-release fertilizer for agriculture.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yuchuan Wang, Neslihan Akdeniz
Summary: Incorporating biochar into composting systems can increase compost temperatures. This study developed a heat transfer model for a biochar-amended co-composting system and found that biochar increased thermal conductive losses but also enhanced microbial activity, resulting in an overall increase in total heat unit. When biochar was applied on the surface, it mainly functioned as an insulator.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
George Tsalis, Birger Boutrup Jensen, Jessica Aschemann-Witzel
Summary: This paper empirically explores the relationship between retail price promotions and household food waste. The results show that households with a higher proportion of discount food purchases and environmental awareness tend to waste less food, while larger households and those lacking food handling skills tend to waste more food.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Lukas Friederici, Arne Koch, Patrick Martens, Jana Pantzke, Sebastiano Di Bucchianico, Thorsten Streibel, Christopher P. Rueger, Ralf Zimmermann
Summary: The increasing demand for lightweight materials has led to a rise in fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP) production. However, the properties and compositional range of FRPs pose challenges to recycling strategies. Pyrolysis has emerged as a promising method for separating the fibers from the polymer matrix. This study investigated the pyrolysis process using thermal analysis and high-resolution mass spectrometry, and also assessed the toxicity of the recovered fibers using an in vitro model.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Devika Kannan, Shakiba Khademolqorani, Nassibeh Janatyan, Somaieh Alavi
Summary: This paper introduces Smart Waste Management (SWM) that applies Industry 4.0 technologies in waste management. A framework called SWM4.0 is developed, which highlights the importance of smart people, smart cities, smart enterprises, and smart factories in achieving successful waste management. The paper also suggests future research directions and managerial implications.
