Compression molding of polypropylene‐ and polyethylene‐based composite materials using siliceous waste concrete powder

Abstract

This study investigated the applicability of siliceous waste concrete powder (WCP‐S) as a reinforcing particle in plastic composite materials for effectively utilizing waste concrete. WCP‐S was obtained by milling waste concrete. Two types of resin materials, polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), were used as the matrix of the composite material. Composite materials were fabricated via compression molding, and the effect of the WCP‐S content on the mechanical properties of the composite materials was investigated. The flexural strength of the PP‐based material decreased with increasing WCP‐S content, whereas the flexural modulus increased. This result suggests insufficient interfacial adhesion between the matrix resin and WCP‐S in the plastic region with high flexural load. To improve this interfacial adhesion, we investigated the mechanical properties of the PE‐based composite material. The flexural strength remained almost constant on increasing the WCP‐S content in the PE‐based composite material, whereas the flexural strength increased. Therefore, WCP‐S is a promising reinforcement particle with an improved flexural modulus for PP or PE resins.Highlights Plastic composite material was fabricated using WCP‐S. The flexural strength of PP‐based composite material decreased. The flexural strength of PE‐based composite material remained almost constant. Flexural modulus increased the PP‐ and PE‐based composite material. WCP‐S is a promising reinforcement particle for PP/PE resins.