Recycling of Electrical Insulators, by their Secondary Use, as Substitutes for Mineral Aggregates in Artificial Composites Based on Orthophthalic Polyester Resins

This paper is a continuation of the research work on the reuse of worn-out electric insulators. The aim of this analysis was to check the possibility of using this waste matter in composites in which the bonding phase is made of orthophthalic polyester resins. In order to test the thesis, a transparent resin composite was designed, which contained the recycled aggregates from worn-out electrical insulators. Aggregate with a grain size of 1-2 mm was prepared from the elements obtained during the renovation works. Unsaturated orthophthalmic polyester resin was used as binder. The initiator - methyl ethyl ketone peroxide - was used to cure the resin. Aluminum cement was used as a fine filling phase. A synthetic stone was produced from the substrates prepared in this way, which was subjected to the basic tests carried out for concretes used in construction. The density of the composite, absorbability, and strength parameters such as flexural tensile strength and compressive strength were examined. The results showed that from the described components it is possible to obtain a resin composite which, apart from interesting aesthetics, meets the requirements for construction materials used in the building industry.