pps proceeding - Abstract Preview
pps proceeding
Symposium: S14 - Special: Recycling and Sustainable Polymers
Poster Presentation
 
 

Mechanical Properties of Sustainable Hybrid Composites based on Post-industrial Polyethylene and Recycled Agave/Carbon Fibers

López-Gonzaleznúñez Rosa Gabriela (1), González-Núñez Rubén (1), Ortega-Gudiño Pedro (1), Wilson Peter (2), Cisneros-López Erick Omar (1)*

(1) Universidad de Guadalajara - Jalisco - Mexico, (2) University of Warwick - Coventry - UnitedKingdom

In this study, sustainable hybrid composites based on recycled materials were produced. A polyethylene (PE) matrix, composed by 40% (wt.) post-industrial PE from the pharmaceutical industry and 60% (wt.) of virgin PE was formulated. As reinforcement, two different fibers were used: recycled carbon fibers (sourced from dry carbon fiber waste) as well as agave fibers (Agave tequilana Weber var. Azul), an agricultural waste from the tequila industry. In particular, a one-step dry-blending technique was used to disperse the fibers and polyethylene powders (virgin and post-industrial) in order to obtain powder blends that were further processed by compression molding (avoiding thermal degradation inherent to melt-blending extrusion process). Composite samples were molded with a total fiber content of 15% (wt.) using different weight ratios of agave-carbon fibers: 15-0; 10-5; 5-10; and 0-15%, respectively. The hybrid composites were characterized in terms of morphology and mechanical properties (tensile, flexion and impact). In general, mechanical properties (strength and stiffness) were significantly improved by combining both fibers, especially in formulations with higher carbon fiber content. In addition, a reduction in weight and cost of the composites were obtained due to the use of lightweight and recycled materials.