Influence of polyester-glass fiber recyclate filler on mechanical properties of laminates
Monika Rutecka, Mateusz Kozioł, Jerzy Myalski Politechnika Śląska, Katedra Technologii Stopów Metali i Kompozytów, ul. Krasińskiego 8, 40-019 Katowice
Quarterly No. 4, 2006 pages 41-46
DOI:
keywords: material recycling, polymer composites, polyester-glass fiber recyclate
abstract The purpose of this project was to estimate the possibility of using polyester-glass fiber recyclate as a filler of polymer matrix in composites. This work is a continuation of researches concerning influence of recyclate on mechanical properties on composites with epoxy as a matrix. Using the recyclate as a filler would be also one of the way of polymer composites utilization. The composites wastes were grinded to size below 0.3 mm. Recyclate obtained after grinding was a powder fraction and was a mixture of cured polyester resin particles, glass fibers and agglomerates of composites particles. The polyester- -glass fiber recyclate was added to the resin, which was used as a matrix in laminates. Ten layers laminates consisted of polyester resin Estromal 14.LM-01 and glass fabric, with addition of 4, 10 and 20%wt. of recyclate were made (Figs. 1, 2). A ten layers laminate with no addition of recyclate was made as a comparable material (standard sample). The results of the mechanical properties of the laminates with the recyclate have been presented (Figs. 3-6, 8). The values of bending strength, flexural modulus, impact strength, shear strength and tensile strength for the laminates were evaluated and compared with analogical properties appointed for standard sample. The results of investigation have shown that using of polymer composites wastes as a filler, do not lead to serious loss of the measured properties. It has been shown that content of the recyclate practically do not have influence on studied mechanical properties. Disadvantageous influence of greater volume of recyclate has been found only for tensile strength. The optimal properties were achieved for the laminate with addition of 4%wt. of recyclate. Addition of recyclate over 4%wt. require using more mixture of recylate and resin to impregnate the laminates, what significantly rise product’s cost. This paper is a continuation of previous work concerning polyester-glass fiber laminates utilization, therefore it allows to compare mechanical properties of laminates with two different types of matrix (Table 1). It has been proved that it is much favourable using resin which is one of recyclate components, since in this case the filler do not practically have influence studied properties. In conclusion, the results of the investigations allow to affirm, that the polymer composites waste of small granulation can be used as a filler in production of new composites, being also one of the way of duroplasts utilization.