Influence of fraction size of polyester-glass fiber recyclate on mechanical properties of core laminates
Jerzy Myalski, Monika Rutecka Politechnika Śląska, Katedra Technologii Stopów Metali i Kompozytów, ul. Krasińskiego 8, 40-019 Katowice
Quarterly No. 4, 2006 pages 25-40
DOI:
keywords: material recycling, polymer composites, stratified laminates, polyester-glass fiber recyclate
abstract The purpose of this project was to estimate recycling application for finely ground composites, polyester - glass fiber in laminates production. Recyclate obtained after grinding was a mixture of polyester resin particles, glass fibers and agglomerates of composites particles. The recyclate was separated by means of sieves to obtain several fractions. The stratified laminates with addition of recyclate fraction of size: > 1.6 mm (not segregated), 1.6÷1, 1÷0.315, 0.315÷0,063 mm and < 0.063 mm were made (Fig. 1). The mass fraction was 25, 35, 45 or 55%wt. for all recyclate fractions. The results of the mechanical properties of the laminates with the recyclate has been presented (Figs. 2-4). The values of tensile strength, bending strength and impact for the laminates with addition of 25, 35, 45 or 55%wt. of recyclate and facings made from two layers of glass fabric or glass mat were evaluated. The results of the investigation have shown that size of the recyclate particles has significant influence on studied mechanical properties. Optimal properties were achieved for the laminates with addition of unfractioned recyclate. Therefore separation process can be disregard. Good mechanical properties were also achieved for the laminates with addition of fractions inclusive great amount of glass fibers and agglomerates of composites particles. It has been shown that content of the recyclate has also influence on studied mechanical properties. In addition, the tests have proved the dependence between content of the recyclate in laminates and values of bending strength, flexural modulus and impact strength, the more recyclate was added to the laminates the lower values of mechanical properties were achieved. Besides size and content of recyclate important factor, which decide of mechanical properties level was the form of applied facings. The polymer composites waste can be used as a filler in laminates production, with properties comparable to typical stratified laminates, being also one of the way of duroplasts utilization.