Developing a TRL-oriented roadmap for the adoption of biocomposite materials in the construction industry

Abstract

The construction industry is a major contributor to environmental pollution. The effect of the construction industry on the environment may be mitigated using eco-friendly construction materials, such as biocomposites. Once developed, biocomposites may offer a viable alternative to the current materials in use. However, biocomposites are lagging in terms of adoption and eventual use in the construction industry. This article provides insights into the steps for biocomposites to become a product that is ready to use by the construction industry in a structural role. The development and the adoption of such a material is tackled with the use of two concepts, i.e., technology readiness level and roadmapping, and explored in a case study on the “liquid wood”. Furthermore, interviews in the construction industry are carried out to identify the industry’s take on biocomposites. A customized roadmap, which underlines a mostly nontechnical perspective concerning this material, has emerged. Additionally, the adoption and diffusion issues that the “liquid wood” may encounter are outlined and complemented with further recommendations.

Identifying strategic opportunities through the development of a roadmap for additive manufacturing: The example of Portugal

“…To this end, they identified the barriers to its use, and structure the changes needed for this transition, both in the technology and in the institutional context. Also, Petrescu et al [ 65 ] developed a roadmap, which resulted from the application of the adapted T-Plan Fast Start Process, for the development and diffusion of the use of biocomposite products in the construction industry. In this work, in addition to the roadmap, the concept of technology readiness level (TRL) was used, and both were used in a case study on "liquid wood".…”