**4. Energy dispersive x-ray analysis**

With the help of the energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) was performed the elemental analysis of the polyester resin and waste fiber glass. The weight fraction ratio is composed on the total weight of the chemical substances analyzed. The predominance of silicon and aluminum can be observed in the **Figure 12**, after the elemental EDX analysis was done of the waste glass fiber [32]. Also, small amounts of carbon, oxygen, sodium, magnesium and calcium are detected. The obtained data are expressed in two ways, both atomic percent (At.%) and weight percent (Wt.%). The atomic and the weight percentages of the fiber glass elements are: C with 30.96At.%, 17.67Wt.%; O with 24.12At.%, 18.34Wt.%; Na with 0.34At.%, 0.37Wt.%; Mg with 0.38At.%, 0.43Wt.%; Al with 14.43At.%, 18.50Wt.%; Si with 21.12At.%, 28.19Wt% and

Ca with 8.66At.%, 16.50Wt.%. In **Table 2** are presented the elements on the surface of a waste

Recycling of Polymeric Composite Materials http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.81281 117

**Element At.% Wt.%** Si 21.12 28.19 Al 14.43 18.50 Ca 08.66 16.50 O 24.12 18.34 C 30.96 17.67 Mg 00.38 00.43 Na 00.34 00.37

The EDX analysis of the matrix polymer is presented in **Figure 13**, [32]. The predominance of carbon, silicon and oxygen is obviously in this case study. Also, small amount of sodium, aluminum and calcium are detected. The atomic and the weight percentages of the polyester matrix

glass fiber.

**Table 2.** EDX analysis of the glass fiber.

**Figure 13.** EDX analysis of the matrix polymer.

**Figure 12.** EDX analysis of the chemical constituents from the glass fiber.


**Table 2.** EDX analysis of the glass fiber.

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

With the help of the energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDX) was performed the elemental analysis of the polyester resin and waste fiber glass. The weight fraction ratio is composed on the total weight of the chemical substances analyzed. The predominance of silicon and aluminum can be observed in the **Figure 12**, after the elemental EDX analysis was done of the waste glass fiber [32]. Also, small amounts of carbon, oxygen, sodium, magnesium and calcium are detected. The obtained data are expressed in two ways, both atomic percent (At.%) and weight percent (Wt.%). The atomic and the weight percentages of the fiber glass elements are: C with 30.96At.%, 17.67Wt.%; O with 24.12At.%, 18.34Wt.%; Na with 0.34At.%, 0.37Wt.%; Mg with 0.38At.%, 0.43Wt.%; Al with 14.43At.%, 18.50Wt.%; Si with 21.12At.%, 28.19Wt% and

characteristics.

**4. Energy dispersive x-ray analysis**

116 Product Lifecycle Management - Terminology and Applications

**Figure 12.** EDX analysis of the chemical constituents from the glass fiber.

Ca with 8.66At.%, 16.50Wt.%. In **Table 2** are presented the elements on the surface of a waste glass fiber.

The EDX analysis of the matrix polymer is presented in **Figure 13**, [32]. The predominance of carbon, silicon and oxygen is obviously in this case study. Also, small amount of sodium, aluminum and calcium are detected. The atomic and the weight percentages of the polyester matrix

**Figure 13.** EDX analysis of the matrix polymer.


The new composite material contained grinded glass fiber waste, polyester matrix and sand all mixed together. After polymerization of the resin we obtain a composite material with superior mechanical properties. This material can be used in different applications, like: strengthening composite parts (ornamental garden stones, ornamental composites plates,

Recycling of Polymeric Composite Materials http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.81281 119

This paper was supported by the project AMATUC HORIZONT 2020, contract nr. GA 691787, "Boosting the scientific excellence and innovation capacity in Additive Manufacturing of the

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TUC-N (AMaTUC)", 2016-2018, project director: Nicolae Balc.

Address all correspondence to: emilia.sabau@tcm.utcluj.ro

Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania

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**Acknowledgements**

**Author details**

Emilia Sabău

**References**

**Table 3.** EDX analysis of the matrix.

elements are: C with 74.80At.%, 62.18Wt.%; O with 15.97At.%, 17.69Wt.%; Na with 0.29At.%, 0.47Wt.%; Al with 1.28At.%, 2.39Wt.%; Si with 4.78At.%, 9.30Wt.% and Ca with 2.87At.%, 7.98Wt.%.

In the table above, **Table 3**, are presented the elemental quantitative analyses that give us the polyester matrix elements on the surface.
