Featured properties of polymer composites from waste materials in material selection processes


Yıldızhan Ş., Keiyinci S.

6th International Mediterranean Science and Engineering Congress, Antalya, Turkey, 25 - 27 October 2021, pp.156

  • Publication Type: Conference Paper / Summary Text
  • City: Antalya
  • Country: Turkey
  • Page Numbers: pp.156
  • Çukurova University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study investigates the featured properties of polymer matrix composites fabricated using waste materials for material selection processes. Material selection is a critical part of the engineering design and material selection affects the overall quality and cost of the product. Lately, composite materials fabricated using waste materials have been a considerable alternative for many engineering applications. Waste materials such as plastic (polyethylene, polypropylene, polyethylene terephthalate, etc.), rubber, construction debris, paper, ash fly, agricultural, recycled fibers, textile, etc. are abundant in the market and have harmful effects on the environment. Thus, fabricating composite materials from those wastes creates an alternative approach to waste management and can contribute to sustainable production goals. For the application of a material selection approach (such as Ashby’s Method, Multi-Criteria Decision-Making methods, Artificial Intelligence methods, or Optimisation methods), the screening of alternative material candidates is the first step. All candidates should be evaluated from different aspects such as general properties, mechanical performance, thermal/acoustic/electric/magnetic properties, durability, environmental effects, cost, etc. From the previous studies, it has been concluded that polymer composites from waste materials are good candidates for various applications. They have the advantages of being low-cost and more eco-friendly in comparison with their common composite counterparts. Nevertheless, there are some considerations that should be taken into account such as the total energy and processes needed to recycle the waste to use as an ingredient in composite fabrication, the mechanical properties of the wastes due to the exposed mechanical, thermal, or chemical treatments, and the compatibility of the wastes with other ingredients.