Effects of Compatibilizers and Surface Treatments on Mechanical Properties of Recycled GFRP/PP Composites

摘要

Waste Glass Fiber Reinforced Plastics (WGFRP) was incorporated in Polypropylene (PP), which was later referred to as Recycled GFRP/PP composite (RGFRP). Smooth surface was observed when 60wt% of WGFRP was incorporated to PP. Stiffness of all specimens increased with increasing WGFRP content as expected. However, incorporation of WGFRP has a deleterious effect on tensile strength, which has been countered by blending maleic anhydride grafted PP (M-PP) to the system. It is also important to note that all specimens containing WGFRP are weaker than the silane treated 20 wt% glass fiber-reinforced PP composite (G20/M-PP/PP) that was molded for comparison purposes. Izod notched impact energy has also deteriorated with increasing WGFRP content. Fiber distribution measurements revealed that the average fiber length in RGFPP was significantly shorter than that of G20/M-PP/PP and the critical fiber length. Hence, Kerner expression for particulate composites was used to predict the modulus of the composites. Upon comparison, the calculated and experimental values were in good agreement. Observing the modulus after cyclic tensile loading has enabled the evaluation of interfacial properties of the RGFPP composites. It was apparent that the interfacial adhesion has strong influence on tensile strength of the RGFRP composites.