Inspired by Reinforced Concrete Structures: High-Strength, Stable, Sustainable Reed-Based Plastics

Abstract

Green and sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics have the potential to reduce environmental pollution and alleviate the resource crisis. Reed straw is a fast-growing, environmentally friendly, low-cost natural fiber that has great potential as a sustainable resource, but it is challenging to develop high-performance plastic alternatives due to its weak interfacial adhesion. Inspired by reinforced concrete structures, this paper adopts a top-down strategy through simple and quick physical filling and directional assembly, in which the adhesive medium is evenly filled and adhered to the reed fiber skeleton. Using this method, a reed-based plastic with high strength, stability, fire resistance, and non-toxicity was developed by densification and rapid curing. The flexural strength, flexural modulus, and tensile strength of the material are 116 ± 8.05 MPa, 13.54 ± 0.67 GPa, and 81 ± 9.85 MPa, respectively. The material exhibits excellent dimensional stability at 120°C and 24-hour immersion in water, while also achieving a V-0 rating in UL-94 testing, and does not produce toxic gases during pyrolysis. Benefiting from these advantages, the developed reed-based plastics show the potential as a sustainable alternative to traditional petroleum-derived plastics, with promising applications in home decoration, structural construction, automotive interiors, and outdoor guardrails.

Keywords: Reinforced concrete, reed-based plastics, multiple bonding interface, high strength, sustainable