TG ID
TG1
Name
Sustainable Fibre Composite Materials
Subject
Sustainable Fibre Composite MaterialsaThe TG on Sustainable Fibre Composite Materials contributes toward reducing the carbon footprint of composite materials by advancing the knowledge base related to sustainable alternatives in Fibre Reinforced Polymer (FRP) and Fibre Reinforced Cementitious Mortar (FRCM) systems. Its focus is on minimizing cradle-to-gate and operational emissions of composite materials in construction applications. By identifying the research gaps, industry barriers, and technical challenges, the group supports the transition to environmentally friendly solutions in construction and structural retrofitting.
Overview
This Task Group brings together academics, industry professionals, and practitioners to explore approaches to reducing the carbon footprint of composite materials. The TG focuses on key challenges and innovations including sustainable raw material use, manufacturing processes and efficiency, material multi-functionality (e.g., recyclability and self-healing), structural design and performance. The group will nurture collaborative research efforts, identify funding opportunities, support submission of research proposals, and disseminate insights through various platforms such as conferences, webinars, and journal publications. A shared governance approach is adopted to ensure active input and collaboration from all members at every stage of the TG’s activities and decision-making processes.
TG1 will focus on addressing critical aspects of FRP and FRCM:
1. Sustainable Materials in Composites:
- Use of materials that sequester atmospheric carbon.
- Development of multifunctional composites with properties like recyclability or self-healing.
- Incorporation of biobased fibers and resins derived from fast-growing crops.
- Use of recycled materials and/or industrial byproducts in composites.
2. Mechanical and Civil Investigations:
- Evaluation of mechanical and structural performance of sustainable composites.
- Application in construction and retrofitting projects.
- Assessment of durability, safety, and cost over time.
- Innovative design strategies that reduce material use, or extend the service life and reduce maintenance needs.
3. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of Sustainable Composites:
- Environmental impact analysis across the full lifecycle.
- Comparison of sustainable composites with traditional materials.
- Use of LCA to inform design and material selection decisions.
Objectives
The proposed TG aims to achieve the following:
Objective 1: Identify critical research needs, knowledge gaps, and barriers to implementing sustainable composites.
Objective 2: Create a database of national and international funding opportunities that support the mission of the TG.
Objective 3: Establish a collaborative network to nurture interdisciplinary research, and support submission of high-quality research proposals.
Objective 4: Disseminate findings through organized events, publications, and outreach initiatives to raise awareness and influence industry practices.
Program/Tasks and Timetable
Primary Responsibilities:
- The TG 1 will focus on:
- Task 1: Drafting a state-of-the-art report summarizing research needs and barriers to adoption of sustainable composites.
- Task 2: Developing and maintaining an online platform for members to facilitate networking, collaboration, and resource sharing. This platform will enable activities such as creating and maintaining a dynamic database of funding opportunities/programs aligned with TG’s purpose and objectives.
- Task 3: Planning and coordinating webinars and conference sessions to showcase the TG work.
- Task 4: Drafting updates for the IIFC newsletter.
Expected deliverables
The following outcomes and deliverables are expected from the TG:
- Comprehensive state-of-the-art report or manuscript summarizing research needs and barriers to adoption
- A “living” database of funding opportunities/programs
- An online platform or portal to facilitate member interactions and resource sharing
- Dedicated sessions/presentations at CICE showcasing the committee’s work
- IIFC webinars with invited speakers
- IIFC newsletter updates to inform the wider community about progress and results
- Published annual updates in the IIFC newsletter summarizing TG progress.
Team
Co-Chair: Jovan Tatar (jtatar@udel.edu), Associate Professor, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
Co-Chair: Francesca Roscini (francesca.roscini@unicusano.it), Assistant Professor, Cusano University, Rome, Italy
Members: Once the TG receives formal approval from the IIFC, the co-chairs will set up a Google Forms application for membership. This form will allow interested individuals, including those who responded to the initial IIFC TG call, to apply. The TG chairs will review and approve applications to ensure that applicants’ interests and backgrounds align with the TG’s purpose and scope.
Expert Advisors: The co-chairs will invite TG members to suggest potential expert advisors to join the group. In the first TG meeting, it was agreed that the group would benefit from the involvement of experts in materials science, pultruded FRP structures, and professionals from industry and practice.
