Mechanical Performance and Engineering Applications of Waste Plastic–Derived Materials: A Structured Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70112/tarce-2025.14.2.4288Keywords:
Waste Plastic–Derived Materials, Mechanical Properties, Recycled Polymers, Composite Reinforcement, Sustainable Engineering MaterialsAbstract
The increasing generation of plastic waste presents significant environmental challenges while simultaneously creating opportunities for the development of sustainable engineering materials. In recent years, waste-plastic–derived materials have gained considerable attention as potential alternatives to conventional polymers and composites in engineering applications. This paper presents a critical review of the mechanical performance and industrial applicability of materials derived from waste plastics, with particular emphasis on engineering systems. A systematic qualitative review methodology is adopted, encompassing peer-reviewed literature on mechanically recycled polymers, plastic-based composites, and plastic-modified construction materials. Key mechanical properties-including tensile, compressive, flexural, impact, fatigue, and creep behavior-are examined, along with the influence of recycling processes, material composition, and reinforcement strategies on performance. The reviewed studies indicate that unreinforced recycled plastics generally exhibit reduced mechanical properties compared to virgin polymers due to degradation during reprocessing. However, significant performance improvements are consistently reported through fiber reinforcement, hybrid composite design, nanofiller incorporation, and optimized processing techniques. The applicability of waste-plastic–derived materials in the construction, automotive, consumer goods, energy, and public utility sectors is discussed in relation to technical, economic, and regulatory considerations. In addition, key research directions emphasizing advanced recycling technologies, material optimization, standardization, and circular-economy integration are identified. The findings establish performance trends, design strategies, and application boundaries for waste-plastic–derived materials in engineering systems.
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