The properties of glass fibers recycled from the thermal processing of scrap thermoset composites

Abstract

Abstract Glass fiber reinforced composites can be recycled by combustion of the polymer in a fluidized bed and reclamation of the reinforcement. The effect of heat on the reinforcing properties of glass fibers was studied by measuring the strength of a composite incorporating heat cleaned glass cloth. This work was then extended by measuring the tensile strength of single fibers. An initial study of the residual strength of fibers processed in a fluidized bed was also undertaken by measuring the tensile strength of fibers recovered at two temperatures. It is concluded that low bed temperatures and short bed residence times are required to maximize the strength of the recovered fibers.