Valorization of Discarded Fishing Gear Fibers in Cementitious Composites: A Sustainable Approach.

Abstract

Within cementitious composites (CC), this study investigates the valorization of polyethylene (PE) fibers derived from discarded fishing trawls and polypropylene (PP) fibers sourced from discarded fishing ropes. Sustainable processing methodologies are employed. Utilizing natural elements such as wind and rain, an environmentally responsible cleansing method effectively eliminates contaminants from the fibers. Additionally, an innovative mechanical cutting process that employs a cutting mill guarantees efficient fiber cutting. The durability of these fibers in alkaline environments was validated through resistance assessments in NaOH solutions, showing minimal deterioration. The impact of fiber length (FL) and fiber volume fraction (FVF) on the mechanical properties of CC was thoroughly examined. The findings suggest that the mechanical performance of CC improved with the increase in FL while keeping the FVF to 0.7% for both PE and PP fibers. Exceeding the FVF above 0.7% leads to a decline in the mechanical performances of CC, which is attributed to the increase in porosity with fiber addition. When comparing PE and PP fibers, it is noted that PE fibers show better workability, bolstered flexural strengths, and facilitated better control over porosity as compared to PP fibers. This study is a part of project VALNET, which presents a scalable and effective method for transforming marine plastic waste into construction materials, in harmony with circular economy concepts and advocating for sustainable options for fiber reinforcement in cement-based composites.