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Fibre-Reinforced Cement as a Source of Microplastics and Their Post-Release Behaviour
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Researchers examined how fibre-reinforced cement containing polypropylene and recycled PET fibres releases microplastics under simulated wear and demolition conditions, finding that cement adhesion to fibre surfaces can alter particle density and contaminant-release potential, marking construction materials as an underappreciated source of environmentally complex microplastic particles.
The construction industry consumes vast amounts of plastics, but has in recent decades embraced the circular economy principles increasingly. Nevertheless, these materials degrade throughout their life cycle, and represent a non-negligible source of microplastics, contributing to one of today’s major environmental challenges. In this study we investigated the generation and properties of microplastics released from cementitious composites reinforced with polypropylene (PP) and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) fibres. The two degradation scenarios (simulated wear and demolition) produced distinct particle size ranges, spanning from long fibres to fine fragments. Cement adhesion to the fibres, governed by their surface morphology and functionalisation, was identified as a factor capable of altering key properties such as the contaminant-dependent density. Complementary leaching experiments showed further that functionalised fibres exhibit a high potential for releasing organic substances. Overall, our findings highlight the need to consider multiple aspects of microplastics derived from fibre-reinforced cement when assessing their environmental implications.
More Papers Like This
Microplastics in construction and built environment
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Researchers review how the widespread use of plastics in construction — in paints, cement, textiles, and road materials — releases microplastics into the environment through wear and weathering, with entry points into the human body through air, water, and skin contact. The authors propose solutions including high-strength concrete formulations and biodegradable alternatives to reduce microplastic release from buildings and infrastructure.
“Microplastics and Polymers in Construction Materials: Sources, Fate, and Structural/Environmental Impacts”
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This review synthesizes evidence that construction practices generate microplastic particles from polymer additives and recycled plastics during manufacturing, placement, and demolition, presents a sampling framework for detecting construction-derived microplastics, and compares identification methods for characterizing these particles.
Environmental and Cost Advantages of Using Polyethylene Terephthalate Fibre Reinforced Concrete with Fly Ash as a Partial Cement Replacement
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This study examined the environmental and cost benefits of using recycled PET plastic bottles as fiber reinforcement in concrete, combined with fly ash as a partial cement replacement. Repurposing plastic waste in construction materials could help reduce the volume of plastic entering the environment as microplastics.
Unveiling the duality of cement and concrete addressing microplastic pollution: a review
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This review explores the dual role of cement and concrete in microplastic pollution -- they can both contribute to and potentially help filter out microplastics from the environment. The research suggests that specially designed porous concrete could be used in water filtration systems to capture microplastics before they reach drinking water supplies.
Experimental Tests on Lightweight Cement Mortar and Concrete with Recycled Plastic Wastes
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This paper is not relevant to microplastics research — it tests the mechanical properties of cement mortar and concrete incorporating recycled plastic waste granules as aggregate substitutes, a construction materials engineering study.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.