How do old carpet fibres enhance the durability of concrete flooring?

Numerous households and commercial properties have carpets installed on concrete subfloors. Recent research conducted at RMIT University in Australia suggests that concrete floors could include materials derived from carpets in the future.

One of the primary challenges with concrete flooring is cracks, which weaken the concrete and pose a safety hazard due to compromised structural integrity. Dr Chamila Gunasekara, the lead researcher at RMIT University School of Engineering, asserts that by incorporating fibres from discarded carpets into concrete, its strength can be enhanced by up to 40% and prevent premature cracking.

Field studies are currently underway to evaluate the performance of concrete slabs mixed with these added fibres. Additionally, fibres sourced from worn-out clothing are being seen as another viable option for concrete reinforcement. Dr Shadi Houshyar, a textile and material scientist at RMIT University, estimates that 70% of textile waste could be repurposed into valuable fibres for various new products.

Disposing of old carpets in landfills is not environmentally sustainable. In North Wales, initiatives have been implemented to recycle carpets by extracting reusable materials for new product manufacturing. The key challenge lies in discovering additional applications for discarded carpets to increase recycling rates. While burning carpets is an alternative to landfill disposal, it is discouraged due to the emission of harmful toxins.

Concrete floors, unless equipped with underfloor heating systems, can feel chilly underfoot during cold weather. Adding carpets to North Wales floors adds warmth to areas with concrete subfloors, adding to a growing list of benefits for this application of carpets.