Low Velocity Impact Damage in Composite Laminates Based on Waste Polyolefins

Abstract

Composite laminates based on polyolefin wastes coming from two different sources are compared with similar systems involving a virgin polypropylene in terms of damage behavior. In particular, this paper reports the response of film-stacked composite laminate plates subjected to falling weight impact tests. As expected, samples based on recycled polyolefins show lower impact parameters with respect to the latter ones even if a partial improvement of the performances can be obtained by modification of the matrix by an adequate coupling agent. Despite the inferior impact behavior, potential uses of new systems provide an opportunity to develop valuable products by reducing the environmental impact of plastic wastes.

Enhancing Impact Energy Absorption, Flexural and Crash Performance Properties of Automotive Composite Laminates by Adjusting the Stacking Sequences Layup

“…Several studies have investigated the extent of damage on composite laminate when exposed to low-velocity impact based on stacking sequence [ 3 , 11 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 ]. To test the effects of low-velocity damage in composite laminates, Russo et al [ 19 ] subjected film-sacked composite laminate plates to a falling weight test to analyze the damage behavior of virgin polypropylene. They concluded that recycled polyolefins had lower impact parameters.…”

“…As SEM morphological studies confirmed, the impact results posited an enhancement in the interfacial adhesion to fiber breakage. Additionally, the prototypical dissipative procedure of damage improved under the testing conditions [ 19 ]. Similarly, Kwon et al [ 20 ] compared the mechanical performance of carbon fiber-reinforced polypropylene (CF/PP) and random fiber-reinforced polypropylene and their performance against a steel fender, with the results indicating that CF/PP lamination had imperfect resin impregnation.…”