Composites obtained by recycling carbon fibre/epoxy composite wastes in building materials. (20th April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saccani, A.; Manzi, S.; Lancellotti, I.; Lipparini, L.
• Is Part Of: Construction & building materials. Volume 204(2019)
• Page Start: 296
• Page End: 302
• Publication Date: 2019-04-20
• Subjects: Building materials -- Carbon fibres composites wastes -- Fly ashes geopolymers -- Recycling -- Metakaolin; Building materials -- Periodicals; 624.18
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conbuildmat.2019.01.216
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0950-0618

Abstract

Highlights: Wastes derived from the production of carbon fiber/epoxy composites have been recycled without any pre-treatments. Different types of inorganic matrix are investigated: Portland cement, geopolymerized fly ashes and metakaolin. Flexural strength can be increased without compromising compressive strength or inducing increased porosity. Addition can promote the use of low energy consuming building materials also solving disposal problems. Abstract: Wastes made of thermosets pre-preg scraps deriving from the production of epoxy-carbon fibres composites have been recycled without any previous high temperature or chemical treatments as reinforcement to produce building materials. Short chopped fibres coated by the resin (5–8 mm length) have been added up to about 5% volume content to different types of matrix, one based on conventional Portland cement and two based on geopolymers, deriving either from metakaolin or from fly ashes. In the last case, the derived materials are almost completely made of recycled ingredients. The workability, microstructure, porosity, physical and mechanical properties of the derived materials have been investigated. Superior flexural strength and increased toughness have been obtained. The reinforcing effect of the recycled waste is particularly interesting on the properties of the ambient cured fly ashes geopolymers and can promote the use of these matrix. This is an attempt to produce building materials with improved properties at the same time solving waste disposal problems.