In the quest for sustainable construction materials, a groundbreaking study led by Hayder Abdul Hadi Abdul Razzaq from the Islamic University of Najaf’s College of Engineering Technology has unveiled promising advancements in the development of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) rods using recycled polymers. This research, published in the Proceedings on Engineering Sciences (Majallat Al-Dirasat Al-Muhandisiya), could significantly impact the energy sector by offering eco-friendly alternatives to traditional materials.
Abdul Razzaq and his team investigated the potential of recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET) and recycled High-Density Polyethylene (rHDPE) as matrix materials for FRP composites. The study focused on evaluating the physical and mechanical properties of these novel composites, reinforced with glass fibers at varying volume fractions, and comparing them against a reference FRP rod made with virgin epoxy.
The findings are particularly encouraging for rPET-based composites. “We observed that rPET-based composites, especially at 60% fiber content, exhibited remarkable mechanical performance,” Abdul Razzaq explained. “The tensile and flexural properties showed significant improvements with increased fiber loading, with rPET rods achieving tensile strengths approaching 75% and flexural strengths around 77% of the virgin epoxy reference.”
This research highlights the critical role of polymer type and processing on void formation and interfacial bonding. rPET demonstrated better compatibility with glass fibers compared to the non-polar rHDPE, which showed comparatively lower performance due to higher void content and poorer fiber-matrix adhesion.
The study’s microstructural analysis provided further insights into failure mechanisms, including fiber pull-out, fiber fracture, and the influence of voids and interfacial adhesion. These findings underscore the potential of rPET as a viable matrix for sustainable FRPs in certain structural applications, particularly in the energy sector where durability and sustainability are paramount.
While rHDPE-based composites showed lower performance, the research suggests that further interfacial modification could enhance their properties, opening up additional avenues for recycled polymer use.
“This research contributes to the advancement of value-added recycling pathways for polymer waste into functional engineering materials,” Abdul Razzaq noted. “It paves the way for more sustainable and cost-effective solutions in the construction and energy sectors.”
As the energy sector increasingly prioritizes sustainability, the development of FRP rods from recycled polymers offers a compelling alternative to traditional materials. This innovation could lead to more eco-friendly construction practices, reduced waste, and lower costs, ultimately shaping the future of sustainable infrastructure.
The study’s publication in the Proceedings on Engineering Sciences further solidifies its relevance and potential impact on the scientific and industrial communities. As researchers and industry professionals continue to explore these findings, the door opens to a new era of sustainable construction materials that could revolutionize the energy sector.