Effect of Solvent on Adhesion Property of Glass Fiber Recycled by Superheated Steam

Abstract

We developed a kind of technology to recycle FRP by superheated steam. In order to achieve the good adhesion between unsaturated polyester resin and recycled glass fiber on which there were some char impurities, a surface treatment should be carried out to remove them. After surface cleaning, the recycled glass fibers were remanufactured to glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) for adhesion test. It was carried out to evaluate the effects of solution and soaking time. Samples of treated, recycled and virgin fibers were analyzed by scanning electron microscopy to determine visual signs of residual char impurities. SEM picture showed char impurities would decrease after surface cleaning by ultrasonic cleaning machine. Although detergent can make work life more environmental friendly, SEM micrographs indicated that there were less residual char impurities on glass fiber which cleaned by acetone. Results of adhesion test showed that adhesion property of remanufactured GFRP can be preserved about 90% of that of virgin GFRP. The recycled glass fibers were able to be used as feedstock for remanufactured GFRP with high mechanical properties.