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Developing an Integrated Circular Economy Framework for Nanomaterial-Enhanced Recycled PET (nrPET): Advancing Sustainable and Resilient Road Construction Practices
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This review proposes an integrated circular economy framework for using nanomaterial-enhanced recycled PET (nrPET) in road construction, examining how nanomaterials like carbon nanotubes, graphene, and nanosilica can improve durability and weather resistance of recycled plastic road materials. The authors identify key technical, economic, and regulatory barriers while outlining research directions to scale circular economy adoption in infrastructure.
The rapid growth in plastic consumption, particularly polyethylene terephthalate (PET), has led to a significant increase in plastic waste, posing a major environmental challenge. Developing an integrated circular economy framework for nanomaterial-enhanced recycled PET (nrPET) can be a promising approach to address this issue and advance sustainable and resilient road construction practices. This comprehensive review examines the current use of rPET in road construction, its existing limitations, and the role of nanomaterials in enhancing the performance of these materials. The review explores the mechanisms by which nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, nanosilica, and clay nanoplatelets, can improve the properties of rPET, leading to more durable, weather-resistant, and cost-effective road materials. Furthermore, the review analyzes the environmental and sustainability benefits of using nrPET in road construction, focusing on carbon footprint reduction, conservation of natural resources, and alignment with circular economy principles. The potential for job creation, social benefits, and support for circular economy initiatives are also discussed. The review then delves into the challenges associated with the implementation of this framework, including technical barriers, economic and market barriers, regulatory and policy challenges, and environmental and safety considerations. Strategies to address these challenges, such as advancements in nanotechnology, scaling up circular economy models, and fostering collaborative research, are presented. Finally, the article proposes a framework and outlines future directions and research opportunities, emphasizing the exploration of emerging nanomaterials, scaling up circular economy models, and encouraging collaborations between researchers, industry stakeholders, policymakers, and communities.
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This review examines existing literature on incorporating waste plastic into road construction, finding that its inclusion can improve pavement performance and durability while offering a pathway to divert non-biodegradable plastic from landfills.
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