A method has been discovered to reduce the negative impact of fiber optic waste.

Russia ranks third in the world for the amount of non-recycled plastic. These waste materials accumulate in water bodies or on illegal dump sites. Among them are remnants of fiber optics, composed of glass and plastic, which can pollute soil and water resources. When decomposed under ultraviolet light, these materials release toxic substances such as lead, arsenic, and cadmium. When these toxins enter the food chain, they can harm human health by slowing cognitive development and increasing the risk of tumors, cardiovascular diseases, anemia, damage to the central nervous system, and other illnesses. Researchers at Perm Polytechnic University have discovered an effective method for recycling residual fiber optic materials by incorporating them into the construction of roads, bridges, and airfields. This approach will help reduce the negative impact on the environment while simultaneously enhancing the strength of construction materials.

2025-01-21 10:00:27https://naked-science.ru/article/column/vozdejstvie-othodov-optov

A patent has been issued for the invention. The research was conducted under the framework of the strategic academic leadership program "Priority 2030".

The asphalt concrete used in road construction traditionally contains crushed stone, sand from crushing by-products, mineral powder, bitumen, and a reinforcing (strengthening) element. Known compositions of such mixtures with various additives have a number of drawbacks, including high costs, temperature limitations, and difficulties in evenly distributing components within the structure. The latter leads to the formation of lumps and deterioration of the coating's properties.

Researchers at Perm Polytechnic have developed a mixture of asphalt concrete capable of enhancing road strength and reducing negative environmental impact. They based their prototype on a composition that includes crushed stone, fine aggregate, mineral powder, bituminous binder, and carbon fiber as a reinforcing filler. Due to the lack of chemical bonds between the bitumen and the fibers, the prototype has a significant drawback – weak adhesion interaction, meaning a low ability of one material to stick to and remain on the surface of another. This reduces the strength characteristics of the asphalt concrete mixture. The polytechnicians found a way to address this issue by proposing the use of optical fiber as a reinforcing material instead of carbon fiber.

“We investigated four asphalt concrete mixtures with varying contents of optical fiber: 0.1, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 percent. The last mixture showed the best strength limit characteristics at temperatures of 20 °C (4.30 MPa) and 50 °C (2.12 MPa). The resistance to cracking at 0 °C (according to GOST requirements) was 4.48 MPa – also higher than that of the first three mixtures. Other indicators fully comply with GOST 9128 requirements. The tests allowed us to recommend asphalt concrete with a content of 1.5 percent optical fiber as the most optimal for strengthening road surfaces. However, an excess of this material will lead to a deterioration in strength characteristics,” comments Konstantin Pugin, Professor of the Department of "Vehicles and Technological Machines" at PNIPU, Doctor of Technical Sciences.

This technology allows for the recycling of optical fiber waste, using it as a reinforcing material, and producing asphalt concrete with enhanced operational qualities. Preliminary estimates by researchers suggest that the crack resistance of the coating will increase by 10-15 percent. Additionally, this method expands the range of road construction materials.