Abstract
Outdated-waste-carbon-fiber-reinforced olefin composites (oCFOCs) were fabricated with easily disposable polyolefin resins, polypropylene (PP), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and low-density polyethylene (LDPE), by compressive molding using a hot press. The flexural and impact strengths of the oCFOCs from each respective resin type and oCF content, ranging from 35 to 70 wt.%, were increased by the aging treatment (120 °C and 95% humidity under a pressure of 0.8 MPa) until an aging time of three days, due to improved resin impregnation. For the oCFOC with PP, the hydrogen bond between PP and developed C-O groups due to the aging treatment and the existing silane layer of oCF is considered to assist cohesion between the resin and oCF. In particular, PP and 45 wt.% oCF content were the most effective conditions for improving the oCFOCs’ mechanical properties, in addition to endowing the oCFOCs with good moldability and dimensional stability. Our results demonstrate that durable recycled composites can be manufactured using oCF and PP.
Highlights
Waste generation from everyday life and industry increases continuously as industry develops, arousing great attention for recycling wastes for the environment [1,2]
The flexural and impact strengths of the composites fabricated from each respective resin type and outdated waste carbon fiber (oCF) content, ranging from 35 to 70 wt.%, were increased under the aging treatment up to the aging time of three days, mainly due to improved resin impregnation; these results show that the mechanical properties of the Outdated-waste-carbon-fiber-reinforced olefin composites (oCFOCs) could be increased by the aging treatment with suitable hot and humid conditions
Neat Carbon Fiber (CF) has a slightly larger value of minimum tensile strength compared to oCF, and a slightly smaller distribution range between the highest and lowest tensile strengths, suggesting that neat CF is of slightly better quality than oCF
Summary
Waste generation from everyday life and industry increases continuously as industry develops, arousing great attention for recycling wastes for the environment [1,2]. Dave Hakkens, an industrial designer from the Netherlands, has been developing the so-called ‘Precious plastic project’, where small-scale plastic workshops set up by individual consumers create new products using recycled plastic [5]. In this context, much attention has been given to recycling composite waste, especially that deriving from the thermoplastic-based fiber-reinforced composite which generates much waste due to its increasing demand and application [6]; in particular, as the use of carbon fibers (CF) as reinforcing materials expands, a large amount of wastes, including CF, pre-impregnated carbon fibers (prepreg), and resins, is generated [7,8]. CF and prepreg, which have a limited warranty period, can become outdated waste before use if they are not properly managed
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have