The international conference „Development of eco-friendly composite materials based on geopolymer matrix and reinforced with waste fibers” (FIBER) took place on 28-29 November 2019 in Montevideo, Uruguay. The event was organized by Cracow University of Technology, Poland and Catholic University of Uruguay Damas Antonio Larrañaga, Uruguay as the culmination the great work carried out by 8 universities from 7 countries in the framework of the project supported by the ERANet-LAC 2nd Joint Call (http://www.eranet-lac.eu) within the framework of the grant: “Development of ecofriendly composite materials based on geopolymer matrix and reinforced with waste fibers”. Despite the fact that it was the final conference I hope that it will not be the ending, but the beginning of new fruitful cooperation between consortium members as well as the first among the long series the world-recognized conferences organized by common effort European and Latino America countries.Our goal was to provide a stimulating environment for the presentation and discussion of the most recent results of industrial and academic research carried out in the field of waste management, recycling and urban mining, especially eco-friendly composite materials from waste natural (animal, vegetable or mineral) fibers, for replacing the traditional construction materials, especially those based on the polymer matrix and synthetic fibers, with new ones containing bio-based matrices and fiber derived from waste, for instance making a composite material from wastes from flax, bio-waste straw, nut shells, hen feathers, waste from mineral wool production and other organic waste materials. During the present conference, not only the project results were presented, but also the numerous important research connected with the latest research in the area of advanced ecofriendly materials, waste management, recycling, and urban mining. The conference was an excellent opportunity for all participants to share the important achievements and discuss the current challenges and perspectives in this area.Many people contributed to the success of the conference, and on behalf of the organizing committee, I would like to thank all the speakers, authors, chairs and reviewers for interesting contributions, providing exciting talks and initiating fruitful discussions. FIBER attracted scientists from 7 countries. After rigorous reviewing, about 20 technical papers were accepted for publication in the conference proceedings.Eventually, I would like to thank all those who helped to make this event happen. Special thanks go to Prof. Dr. Martín Duarte Guigou and PhD, DSc. Janusz Mikuła, Prof. of CUT for their major contribution to organizing the conference.PhD Michał ŁachEditor-in-ChiefFaculty of Materials Engineering and PhysicsCracow University of Technology
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