Investigating the effect of recycled irregular metallic particles embedment on the interlaminar strength of polyamide-based composites

Abstract

ABSTRACT In this research, for the first time, the effect of embedding irregular and jagged steel particles of recycled milling dendritic chips on the improvement of compressive and interlayer strength of thermoplastic polyamide6 (PA6)-based, 200 g/m2 plain weave E-glass-fabric-reinforced composite laminates was investigated. The goal here is to examine whether the sharp spikes on the particles can penetrate adjoining laminate layers to provide superior interface toughness compared to spherical toughening particles. In-plane compression tests, according to ASTM D695-15 standard, show that through thickness expansion leads to delamination and subsequent failure. Consequently, theoretical considerations suggest that enhancements in interface toughness should lead to an increase in compression strength. For this purpose, steel particles with three size ranges, 300–600 µm, 150–300 µm, and 75–150 µm, were prepared and embedded into the composite laminates using film-stacking and hot-pressing process, in four different volume fractions. The particle distribution, impregnation, and bonding with the PA6 matrix were analyzed using optical and scanning electron microscopy imaging. Overall, results demonstrate a very good mechanical bonding between the particles and the thermoplastic matrix. Some interlocks between the particles and composite laminates were observed which has led to an improvement in the compressive strength of the composite laminate.