Research
TP's learning facilities, including our Centres of Excellence jointly developed with industry partners, are designed to simulate real-world operations. In addition to providing our students with premium training, these facilities also provide consultancy services and collaborate with various industry partners on joint projects such as:
Recycled Plastic Waste
The construction industry in Singapore relies heavily on imported natural aggregates like river sand and granite gravel. For the industry to reduce reliance on these materials and enhance resource resiliency and sustainability, alternative materials need to be developed to supplement conventional construction materials.
The Centre for Urban Sustainability (CUS), a research centre at Temasek Polytechnic, found plastic waste to be a possible alternative to partially replace fine aggregates in concrete. The research team developed a plastic- concrete mix formulation, in which a portion of the fine aggregate (natural sand) was replaced with plastic waste (polypropylene).
It was concluded that up to 20% of the sand volume in concrete can be replaced with plastic waste for non-structural applications through experimentation. This product is comparable to conventional concrete. It does not incur excessive segregation during casting and possesses high compressive strength as well as durability.
Non-structural concrete prototypes such as precast drain channels kerbs were made using the plastic- concrete mix. A pilot trial to install these concrete segments in a local construction project by Jurong Town Corporation (JTC) is ongoing. Upon completion of the installation works, the durability and environmental performance of the prototypes will also be monitored for a period of 12 months.
CUS focuses on R&D thrusts, namely solid waste management, recycling for strategic building materials and food waste reduction.
Raw materials & finished products from plastic wastes
Plastic waste is a significant contributor to environmental pollution and finding ways to repurpose and recycle it is crucial. One innovative solution is to use plastic waste as raw materials for new products. For example, plastic bottles can be recycled into polyester fibres used in clothing or insulation materials. Additionally, plastic waste can be converted into 3D printing filaments, which can be used to create a wide range of products.
Park facilities from wood & horticultural wastes
Wood and horticultural wastes can also be repurposed to create park facilities, such as benches and tables. These materials can be used in their raw form or can be processed into composite materials, which offer increased durability and resistance to weather and wear. Additionally, using wood and horticultural waste to create park facilities reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and helps to conserve natural resources.
Sand replacement
Sand is a critical component in the construction industry, but the increasing demand for sand has led to environmental concerns, such as erosion, loss of biodiversity, and land degradation. To address this issue, researchers are developing alternatives to sand, including recycled glass, crushed brick, and waste plastic. These materials can be used as a replacement for sand in concrete and other construction materials, reducing the environmental impact of sand extraction.
3D printable composites
3D printing is a rapidly growing technology with significant potential for sustainable development. One application of 3D printing is the production of composite materials that are more durable and lightweight than traditional materials. These composites can be made from a variety of materials, including recycled plastics, plant fibres, and bio-based resins. The use of 3D printable composites reduces waste and the use of non-renewable resources while providing new opportunities for innovative design and construction.
SIA Singapore Stories (2022)
Temasek Polytechnic students from the diploma in Apparel Design & Merchandising draw inspiration from our local heritage using pre-loved designer dresses and materials from retired Singapore Airlines aircraft to reimagine and recreate new, unique art pieces.
Fabric cut-offs and other odds and ends are combined to create statement pieces in this fashion collection. A range of merchandise prototype has also been designed such that it can be produced commercially.
With sustainability at the heart of this collaboration, students drew inspiration from our local heritage and materials taken from retired Singapore Airlines aircrafts. An exploration of techniques incorporating zero-waste, patchwork, textile manipulation and natural dye were used to reimagine new silhouettes, textiles and unique concepts for garments and fashion lifestyle products alike.
The works were exhibited at Design Orchard for the inaugural Fashion Sustainability Summit 2022.
