Recycled construction and demolition waste as a possible source of materials for composite manufacturing

Although the reuse of demolition wastes has been studied in recent years, their reuse in composites has not been thoroughly examined. This study aims to provide a comprehensive literature review pertaining to the possibilities of using recycled construction and demolition waste in composite manufacturing. This study is focused on investigating the use of recycled wood, paper, cardboard, metal, glass, mineral wool, gypsum, concrete, and ceramics as raw components for composite materials. The composition, contamination, degradation, and recycling of construction materials is discussed to explain potential challenges for composite material manufacturers. Most of the research relating to recycled construction and demolition materials have been conducted on thermoplastics combined with cellulose-based fibers. However, mineral wool and gypsum have also been utilized. The use of recycled materials as matrix, filler, or fiber tends to result in the production of materials with weaker mechanical properties compared with virgin materials. Entities who utilize construction and demolition waste should take into consideration possible contaminations so as to prevent the spread of harmful substances. Because investigations on the economics, carbon footprint, and practicality of production have been scarce, definitive conclusions on the potential use of recycled material composites cannot be made. It was found that the most promising recycled construction waste materials for composites were thermoplastics, mineral wool, gypsum, and wood.