Production of Textile Factory Waste Added Polyester Composite and Examination of Thermophysical Properties

Abstract

In this research, textile factory wastes have been evaluated in the polyester composite. In particular, the use of polyester-based waste fabrics in composite production offers a solution to an important environmental problem. It enables the production of economical, environmentally friendly, and lightweight polyester composites. In the experimental study, textile wastes turned into fine fibers are distributed homogeneously into unsaturated polyester (UP). The chemical reaction is initiated by using methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) and cobalt octoate (Co Oc) in the mixture. After the resulting mixture is poured into standard molds, it is waited for a day for it to cure. Then, after the necessary tests and analyses are carried out, some thermophysical properties of the polyester composite have been evaluated. According to the results obtained, the addition of textile factory waste to the mixture reduces the bulk density and hardness of the composite. In experimental studies, optimum polyester composites can be obtained with approximately 1.5 wt.% textile factory waste. Reinforcing these wastes at higher ratios negatively affects both the surface morphology and pore distribution of the composite. These wastes improve the mechanical properties of the polyester composite and increase its processability. Shore D hardness measurements show that waste fabrics reduce the hardness of the composite. It has been determined that the thermal conductivity coefficient of the composite decreases slightly with textile waste reinforcement. However, in thermal decomposition experiments of polyester composite, it is observed that thermal stability decreases slightly with textile waste reinforcement. In this study, the carbon footprint of composites obtained by using textile waste is reduced. Besides, fewer petrochemical raw materials are used and environmentally friendly and economical composites are produced.