Life cycle analysis for green composites: A review of literature including considerations for local and global agricultural use

Abstract

Increasing concerns regarding human-driven effects on the biosphere have led to the development and adoption of environmentally friendly “green” composites. Unlike conventional synthetic composites, green composites are made of natural materials in either the matrix or the fiber reinforcement (or both). They are claimed to have lower negative environmental effects due to their sustainability and easier recyclability. To assess the environmental impacts associated with any product, a life cycle assessment (LCA) is needed. This literature review summarizes the individual steps undertaken in an LCA study and discusses their relevance within the field of green composites. Similarly, an outline of life cycle costing (LCC), a type of study which determines the economic implications of a product, is incorporated. Since some phases of a product’s life cycle can have significant environmental effects, parameters affecting the time-dependant degradation of green composites and their significance in LCA studies were also explored. Finally, criteria for choosing natural fibers and biopolymers for green composites in engineering applications were considered, and case studies of hemp and flax as candidates for fiber cultivation in Alberta, Canada are provided throughout.

Modelling of Environmental Ageing of Polymers and Polymer Composites—Modular and Multiscale Methods

“…Environmental ageing itself is weathering similarly to nature. Models take artificial weathering’s regularity of different natural cycles, intensity, duration, exposure conditions; however, these may not precisely depict natural conditions, and modelling adjustments shall be performed [ 282 , 283 ]. With this arises the difference between so-called green composites and synthetic composites; for the latter, the modelling may be better standardized for mass production; on the other hand, the environmental impact of synthetics is more severe.…”

Plant-based fibres in cement composites: A conceptual framework

“…12 Several studies explored the use of plant-based natural fibres in the concrete industry, finding that such fibres can enhance the mechanical properties of concrete. [13][14][15][16] Indeed, polymers combined with cellulosic fibres was found to be an effective hybridisation strategy for enhancing cement hardness in non-structural fibre-reinforced composites (FRCs). [16][17][18] This approach eliminates the need for harmful materials like asbestos and offers additional energy-saving advantages by removing autoclave requirements.…”

Life Cycle Assessment of Calcium-Rich Industrial Waste Reinforced Polypropylene and Low-Density Polyethylene Composites Using the Cradle-to-Gate Approach

“…Generally, the results depicted that natural fiber composites are more environmentally friendly than synthetic fiber composites. 26,29 Lee et al studied the use of LCA for computing the advantages of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum in the manufacturing of wallboard. The results indicated reduced greenhouse gas emission and contribution to sustainable material development.…”

“…Some researchers have conducted LCA studies to assess the environmental effects of wood fiber reinforced polypropylene, flax fiber reinforced polylactic acid, glass fiber filled poly­(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/vinyl ester/polyester/epoxy, ,, cork filled epoxy, carbon fiber reinforced vinyl ester/polyester/polypropylene, and vine shoot filled poly­(3-hydroxybutyrate- co -3-hydroxyvalerate)/polypropylene/polylactic acid, etc. Generally, the results depicted that natural fiber composites are more environmentally friendly than synthetic fiber composites. , Lee et al studied the use of LCA for computing the advantages of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) gypsum in the manufacturing of wallboard. The results indicated reduced greenhouse gas emission and contribution to sustainable material development. , It is noteworthy that every product’s end-of-life scenario depends on the kind of raw materials used.…”