This volume contains a comprehensive selection of the papers presented at the RILEM International Workshop on the subject held in Tokyo, Japan in 1995. Invited experts from Japan, USA, Europe and the Far East reviewed the latest research in the disposal and recycling of construction materials such as plastics, rubber, asphalt, wood and paper.

Compostable Polymer Materials, Second Edition, deals with the environmentally important family of polymers designed to be disposed of in industrial and municipal compost facilities after their useful life. These compostable plastics undergo degradation and leave no visible, distinguishable, or toxic residue. Environmental concerns and legislative measures taken in different regions of the world make composting an increasingly attractive route for the disposal of redundant polymers.This book covers the entire spectrum of preparation, degradation, and evironmental issues related to compostable polymers. It emphasizes recent studies concerning compostability and ecotoxilogical assessment of polymer materials. It descibes the thermal behavior, including flammability properties, of compostable polymers. It also explores possible routes of compostable polymers waste disposal through an ecological lens. Finally, the book examines the economic factors at work, including price evolution over the past decade, the current market, and future perspectives. Compostable Polymer Materials is an essential resource for graduate students and scientists working in chemistry, materials science, ecology, and environmental science. - Provides a comprehensive study of the composting process - Details methods of compostable polymers preparation, including properties, processing and applications - Presents the state-of-the-art knowledge on ecotoxicity testing and biodegradation under real composting conditions of compostable polymers, as well as biodegradation in various environments, such as marine environments and anaerobic conditions - Discusses the evolution of waste management in Europe and the United States, as well as the status of MSW disposal and treatment methods in countries such as China and Brazil - Overviews biodegradation studies under real composting conditions of products made of compostable polymers, e.g. bags, bottles, cutletry - Analyzes evolution of market development, including price of compostable polymers during the last decade

This volume covers various aspects of cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE). The contents include manufacture, morphology, structure, properties, applications, early stage development, cross-linking techniques, recycling process, physical and chemical properties as well as the scope and future aspects of XLPE. It focuses on the life cycle analysis of XLPE and their industrial applications and commercial importance. This book will be of use to academic and industry researchers, as well as graduate students working in the fields of polymer science and engineering, materials science, and chemical engineering.

Eco-efficient Construction and Building Materials reviews ways of assessing the environmental impact of construction and building materials. Part one discusses the application of life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology to building materials as well as eco-labeling. Part two includes case studies showing the application of LCA methodology to different types of building material, from cement and concrete to wood and adhesives used in building. Part three includes case studies applying LCA methodology to particular structures and components. - Reviews ways of assessing the environmental impact of construction and building materials - Provides a thorough overview, including strengths and shortcomings, of the life cycle assessment (LCA) and eco-labeling of eco-efficient construction and building materials - Includes case studies showing the application of LCA methodology to different types of building material, from cement and concrete to wood and adhesives used in building

Plastic Waste and Recycling: Environmental Impact, Societal Issues, Prevention, and Solutions begins with an introduction to the different types of plastic materials, their uses, and the concepts of reduce, reuse and recycle before examining plastic types, chemistry and degradation patterns that are organized by non-degradable plastic, degradable and biodegradable plastics, biopolymers and bioplastics. Other sections cover current challenges relating to plastic waste, explain the sources of waste and their routes into the environment, and provide systematic coverage of plastic waste treatment methods, including mechanical processing, monomerization, blast furnace feedstocks, gasification, thermal recycling, and conversion to fuel. This is an essential guide for anyone involved in plastic waste or recycling, including researchers and advanced students across plastics engineering, polymer science, polymer chemistry, environmental science, and sustainable materials. - Presents actionable solutions for reducing plastic waste, with a focus on the concepts of collection, re-use, recycling and replacement - Considers major societal and environmental issues, providing the reader with a broader understanding and supporting effective implementation - Includes detailed case studies from across the globe, offering unique insights into different solutions and approaches

This authoritative reference work provides a comprehensive review of the management, recycling and reuse of waste composites. These are issues which are of increasing importance due to the growing use of composites in many industries, increasingly strict legislation and concerns about disposal of composites by landfill or incineration.Part one discusses the management of waste composites and includes an introduction to composites recycling and a chapter on EU legislation for recycling waste composites. Part two reviews thermal technologies for recycling waste composites with chapters on pyrolysis, catalytic transformation, thermal treatments for energy recovery and fluidized bed pyrolysis. Part three covers mechanical methods of recycling waste composites. This section includes chapters on additives for recycled plastic composites, improving mechanical recycling and the quality and durability of mechanically recycled composites. Parts four discusses improving sustainable manufacture of composites, with chapters on environmentally-friendly filament winding of FRP composites, process monitoring and new developments in producing more functional and sustainable composites. Part five gives a review of case studies including end-of-life wind turbine blades, aerospace composites, marine composites, composites in construction and the recycling of concrete.With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Management, recycling and reuse of waste composites is a standard reference for anyone involved in the disposal or recycling of waste composites. - Reviews the increasingly important issues of recycling and reuse as a result of the increased use of composites - Discusses the management of waste composites and EU legislation with regards to recycling - Examines methods for recycling, including thermal technologies and mechanical methods

Provides an overview of state-of-the-art recycling techniques together with current and potential applications. Presents material that is normally only available in the form of conference proceedings Includes flow charts detailing the recycling process Helps identify the problems encountered in the recycling of polymers Presents pie graphs and photographs of commercial outlets A comprehensive volume which will prove to be invaluable for polymer manufacturers, recyclers and marketers as well as environmental authorities and materials engineers.

This book is a good basic guide to the polymers that are used in the construction industry. The types of polymers that can be used are discussed and specific applications are also covered. There is also a very comprehensive section on the health and safety aspects of using polymers in buildings.