Durability characteristics and property prediction of glass fibre reinforced mixed plastics composites

This paper presents an experimental and theoretical studies of the durability of composite materials made from mixed plastic solid waste (PSW) containing high-density polyethylene, low-density polyethylene, polypropylene and short glass fibres (10-30% by weight). The effects of exposure to elevated temperatures, UV radiation and moisture ingression were the main parameters considered. The results showed that the exposure to a temperature of 60 degrees C or higher weakens the adhesion of the glass fibre due to the softening of the mixed PSW and resulting in reduced mechanical properties. Furthermore, exposure to UV radiation results in the shrinkage of the specimens improving the interfacing bonding whereas exposure to moisture results in the swelling of the specimens weakening the interfacial bonding. Besides, the addition of glass fibre reduces the surface degradation of composites under UV and moisture ingression resulting in higher matrix properties. For design purposes, a single equation based on modified rule of mixture was developed to predict the tensile modulus and strength of these composites by introducing environmental factors accounting the effects of different exposure conditions. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.