Development of green composites in the design concept for sustainability from the recycling of PE protective film reinforced with waste PAEK/CF composites

• Grant number: 22/12530-3
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): December 01, 2022
• Effective date (End): November 30, 2023
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Fabio Roberto Passador
• Grantee: Ingrid Christiny Lima de Oliveira
• Host Institution: Instituto de Ciência e Tecnologia (ICT). Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP). Campus São José dos Campos. São José dos Campos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

The concern for the environment and in accordance with the new environmental guidelines, has made the industrial sectors increase the interest and the need to evaluate the feasibility of mechanical recycling of carbon fiber reinforced polymeric composite waste from the automotive industry since the manufacture of these composites has a high cost and advanced Technologies. So, approaches that make this recycling possible, viable and attractive for the market are essential. Therefore, this project aims to study the feasibility of mechanical recycling of poly(aryl-ether-ketone) (PAEK)/carbon fiber (CF) composite waste in a matrix composed of polyethylene protective film waste present in prepregs of structural composites with the purpose of reintroducing these residues with high value in the industrial production chain. In the first stage of this project, the collection, selection and grinding of the PE protective film as well as the PAEK/FC composite will be carried out, followed by the granulometric separation. Then, the homogenization of the PAEK/FC composite particles in the recycled PE matrix (PErec) will be carried out through a twin screw extruder and the molding of standardized specimens in a mini injector. At the end of the project, the quality of the recycled composites obtained will be evaluated by means of mechanical tests (tensile test and Izod impact), morphological characterization of the fracture surface by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electrical (impedance spectroscopy) and electromagnetic characterization seeking properties and new application for this material. Thus, through these studies it will be possible to aim at sustainable development and environmental protection, through the reuse of thermoplastic waste, with high added value and that could return to the production process of the automotive sector.