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Abstract: Plastics are widely used in the construction and building industry, accounting for 23.5% of European plastic consumption. They can replace traditional materials in various applications, including building insulation, piping, paints, adhesives, sealants, roofing, flooring, etc., serve as key components in various composites, and are indispensable for packaging materials and elements that facilitate the construction process itself. Despite their long lifespan, building materials inevitably degrade over time, releasing microplastics (MPs) that contribute to environmental pollution. According to some estimates, annual emissions of MPs in the European Union range from 0.7 to 1.8 Mt, with building paints identified as a dominant source, contributing between 231,000 and 863,000 tons per year. However, reported numbers vary significantly across studies, reflecting the substantial uncertainties still present in quantifying MPs. Now ubiquitous across ecosystems worldwide, MPs have become one of the most pressing concerns of the scientific community, leading to a rapid expansion of research in recent years. Yet less than 0.6% of studies focus on their presence in the construction and building sector, leaving this major industry largely overlooked. This review consolidates scattered knowledge by examining the applications of plastics in the construction and built environment and their role in microplastic generation throughout the materials' life cycle, from production and application to use and end-of-life management. It also examines MPs within the broader framework of sustainable development, particularly in the transition from a linear to a circular economy, where MPs could potentially be repurposed as secondary raw materials for new products. Particular emphasis is placed on recent research exploring the incorporation of MPs into construction materials, while highlighting state-of-the-art solutions that demonstrate their potential commercial viability. Moreover, this article raises awareness of the potential risks associated with such practices, offering authors’ critical perspective on existing research and emphasizing the need for a comprehensive evaluation of their impacts. By synthesizing the current state of knowledge, this review lays the groundwork for advancing future research, developing mitigation strategies, and fostering more sustainable material management in the construction and building sector.
Keywords: microplastics, building, construction, pollution, circular economy
Published in DiRROS: 17.11.2025; Views: 221; Downloads: 170
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Abstract: Cigarette filters comprise plasticised cellulose acetate, a synthetic polymer categorized as bioplastic. They represent a significant source of microplastics (MPs), in particular microfibers, and associated chemicals, yet their impact on organisms, especially soil invertebrates, is not well-studied. This research examines the effects of MPs milled from smoked (SCF-MPs) and unsmoked cigarette filters (UCF-MPs) on terrestrial invertebrates (Porcellio scaber, Tenebrio molitor) and aquatic invertebrates (Daphnia magna, Brachionus calyciflorus). SCF-MPs and UCF-MPs were found to be 9.06 ± 4.1 μm and 12.71 ± 6.82 μm in size, respectively. Both samples contained triacetin and potentially toxic metals, while SCF-MPs also contained nicotine and a larger number of trace organic compounds. While exposure to SCF-MPs or UCF-MPs (up to 1.5 % MPs, w/w in soil) did not affect the survival of either terrestrial invertebrate, several physiological responses were observed. These included changes in immune parameters, energy-related biomarker levels, and altered glutathione S-transferase and acetylcholinesterase activities. Both types of MPs were acutely toxic to aquatic invertebrates, reducing the survival rates of B. calyciflorus (10 mg L−1 of either particle after 48h exposure) and D. magna (100 mg L−1 of SCF-MPs after 48h exposure). SCF-MPs generally caused more pronounced effects than UCF-MPs. This study highlights the need for effective environmental management to address both smoked and unsmoked cigarette filters.
Keywords: cigarette buts, cigarette filters, microfibers, crustaceans, insects, rotifers
Published in DiRROS: 09.05.2025; Views: 656; Downloads: 435
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Abstract: Additive manufacturing (AM) has experienced significant growth in recent years, emerging as a transformative technology with broad applications across various industries. This review explores the advantages, disadvantages, and environmental impacts of AM, an important area of consideration as this technology continues to gain popularity. By analyzing existing literature, we assess the challenges associated with AM processes, particularly in comparison to traditional manufacturing methods. AM has the greatest potential to contribute to sustainable development by the production of lightweight components and complex industrial products with intricate designs. These products are made with minimal material usage. Consequently, also waste and emissions are reduced, which are significant environmental advantages. Overall, this review highlights the importance of AM as a tool for advancing sustainability in manufacturing and offers valuable insights for Continuous Fiber Fabrication, Direct Metal Laser Sintering, and Selective Laser Sintering techniques to enhance their competitive advantage while reducing their environmental impact.
Keywords: additive manufacturing, 3D print, continuous fiber fabrication, direct metal laser sintering, selective laser sintering, AddCircles
Published in DiRROS: 07.04.2025; Views: 752; Downloads: 342
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Abstract: Protein-based fish adhesives have historically been used in various bonding applications; however, due to the protein’s high affinity for water absorption, these adhesives become destabilized in high-moisture environments, resulting in reduced bondline strength and early failure. This limitation makes them unsuitable for industrial applications with higher demands. To address this issue, water-insoluble raw powder materials such as iron, copper, or zeolite were incorporated into natural fish adhesives. In this study, the hygroscopicity, dry matter content, thermal analysis (TGA/DSC), FT-IR spectroscopy, surface tension measurements, vapour permeability, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) of the modified adhesives were determined. In addition, the bonding properties of the modified adhesives were evaluated by the tensile shear strength of the lap joints, and mould growth was visually inspected. The resulting modified protein-based adhesives demonstrated improved stability in high humidity environments. Enhancing the hygroscopic properties of protein-based fish adhesives has the potential to unlock new opportunities and applications, providing a healthier and more environmentally sustainable alternative to petroleum-based adhesives.
Keywords: protein‐based adhesive, polymer stabilization, hygroscopicity, fish adhesive modification, fish industry waste, circular economy, bonding properties
Published in DiRROS: 12.08.2024; Views: 1162; Downloads: 814
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Abstract: The building and civil engineering industry yearly causes more than 40% of man-made CO2 and consumes raw materials for two-thirds of Mont Everest. To decrease the carbon footprint and consumption of raw materials, alkali-activated materials (AAMs) are researched as an alternative to conventional building and civil engineering products like cements, mortar, and ceramics. Ideally, locally available waste materials are used as ingredients: (i) as precursors that react with alkali and form an aluminosilicate network, and (ii) as fillers that get permanently encapsulated and safely stored in AAMs. The addition of gas bubbles and lightweight fillers transforms AAMs into alkali-activated foams and alkali-activated lightweight materials that have the potential to be used as thermal and acoustic insulation materials. Although AAMs are researched worldwide, this review focuses on the state-of-the-art localised solely to Slovenia, particularly on the materials and curing procedures used, as well as on the scientific contribution of the basic research. Besides, the year 2024 marks 10 years of research on alkali activation of raw and waste inorganic materials in Slovenia.
Keywords: secondary raw material, alkali-activated material, alkali-activated foams, alkali, circular economy, microwave irradiation, mechanical strength
Published in DiRROS: 12.03.2024; Views: 2954; Downloads: 1086
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