**3.3. Mechanical tests**

For mechanical tests, from the obtained material was done cubic specimens with 50 × 50 × 50 mm dimensions, according to EN 12320-3 standard.

**Table 1** shows data following the compressive stress of cubic specimens, the constituent com-

**Average compressive breaking strength**

189.96 78.27 1380

The composite plates provide higher mechanical properties, lower costs and reduce waste

The experimental data shows that the new materials have good mechanical properties and they can be successfully used in the dimensioning and verification process of composite struc-

The microstructure of fracture samples from waste glass fibers/sand/polyester matrix composites was analyzed using a metallographic microscope type Optika XDS-3 MET [31, 32].

). The glass fibers are made from

**Density [Kg/m3 ]**

113

Recycling of Polymeric Composite Materials http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.81281

posite material remains bonded through filaments of reinforcement material.

**[MPa]**

The sand grains contain in the structure over 90% silica (SiO2

materials in the environment.

**Table 1.** Compressive tests results.

**Average force**

**[KN]**

silica sand, which melts at 1720°C.

**Figure 7.** Non-impregnated glass fiber monofilaments.

tures resistance.

**No. Force [KN]**

1. 185.8

2. 191.2 3. 193.2 4. 187.3 5. 192.3

**3.4. Microscopy study**

The obtaining process of the composite plates that include in the structure glass fiber waste was hand lay-up. The mechanical properties of composite plates were determined to perform the experimental test at compressive load.

**Figure 6.** The ornamental synthetic plate.


**Table 1.** Compressive tests results.

• getting some plates with good look, imitating the natural stone, which can be colored in large quantity in the production process and can be easily mounted on facades and

• the use of matrix mold from the silicone elastomer eliminates additional separation planes

• increasing the mechanical characteristics when using these materials at low temperatures.

For mechanical tests, from the obtained material was done cubic specimens with 50 × 50 × 50 mm

The obtaining process of the composite plates that include in the structure glass fiber waste was hand lay-up. The mechanical properties of composite plates were determined to perform

• the technological simplicity of the process does not require substantial investment;

buildings;

**3.3. Mechanical tests**

reducing the cost of the mold;

112 Product Lifecycle Management - Terminology and Applications

dimensions, according to EN 12320-3 standard.

the experimental test at compressive load.

**Figure 6.** The ornamental synthetic plate.

**Table 1** shows data following the compressive stress of cubic specimens, the constituent composite material remains bonded through filaments of reinforcement material.

The composite plates provide higher mechanical properties, lower costs and reduce waste materials in the environment.

The experimental data shows that the new materials have good mechanical properties and they can be successfully used in the dimensioning and verification process of composite structures resistance.

#### **3.4. Microscopy study**

The microstructure of fracture samples from waste glass fibers/sand/polyester matrix composites was analyzed using a metallographic microscope type Optika XDS-3 MET [31, 32].

The sand grains contain in the structure over 90% silica (SiO2 ). The glass fibers are made from silica sand, which melts at 1720°C.

**Figure 7.** Non-impregnated glass fiber monofilaments.

The monofilaments of non-impregnated glass fiber have a smooth and glossy surface, specific to the glass. These were analyzed using the optical microscopy, **Figure 7**. To have a good adhesion at the interface between matrix and fibers, the surface of glass fibers is treated with

Recycling of Polymeric Composite Materials http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.81281 115

**Figure 9** shows the adhesion between matrix and glass fiber monofilaments. **Figure 10** illustrates that sand grains and glass fiber monofilaments are well impregnated with resin according to the morphological analysis of the fracture area. It can be observed a good compatibility

silane. In **Figure 8** it's show the impregnated glass fiber monofilaments with resin.

between resin, filaments and sand, and a good impregnation of the matrix.

**Figure 10.** The fracture zone of waste fiber glass/sand/polyester resin plate.

**Figure 11.** Sand and glass monofilaments in polyester resin.

**Figure 8.** Impregnated glass fiber monofilaments with resin.

The monofilaments of non-impregnated glass fiber have a smooth and glossy surface, specific to the glass. These were analyzed using the optical microscopy, **Figure 7**. To have a good adhesion at the interface between matrix and fibers, the surface of glass fibers is treated with silane. In **Figure 8** it's show the impregnated glass fiber monofilaments with resin.

**Figure 9** shows the adhesion between matrix and glass fiber monofilaments. **Figure 10** illustrates that sand grains and glass fiber monofilaments are well impregnated with resin according to the morphological analysis of the fracture area. It can be observed a good compatibility between resin, filaments and sand, and a good impregnation of the matrix.

**Figure 10.** The fracture zone of waste fiber glass/sand/polyester resin plate.

**Figure 11.** Sand and glass monofilaments in polyester resin.

**Figure 9.** Waste glass fiber monofilaments impregnated with resin.

**Figure 8.** Impregnated glass fiber monofilaments with resin.

114 Product Lifecycle Management - Terminology and Applications

According to the **Figure 11**, it can be observe the achieved connection between polyester matrix, glass fibers and sand, because of the particles of sand and polyester resin that were well glued on the glass monofilaments. Thus, a composite material with low density and high mechanical properties has obtained. These types of materials allow one reuse of glass fiber waste. Using these types of materials at low temperatures increases their mechanical characteristics.
