Mechanical Properties of Bio-Based Sandwich Composites Containing Recycled Polymer Textiles

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Sandwich composites offer tunable mechanical properties.
• Sustainable composite materials are in high demand.
• Recycled textiles present a viable reinforcement option.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mechanical performance of bio-based sandwich composites.
• To evaluate the impact of recycled polyamide textiles on composite properties.
• To compare sandwich composites with conventional designs.

Main Methods:

• Compression moulding was used to fabricate sandwich composites.
• Materials included regenerated cellulose fabric (rayon), bio-based polypropylene (PP), and virgin/recycled polyamide (PA) textiles.
• Mechanical testing included flexural, low-velocity impact (LVI), and tensile tests.

Main Results:

• Thicker PA textiles doubled bending stiffness and increased peak flexural force by 70% compared to control.
• Recycled textiles provided good impact energy absorption (~28 J) and maximum force (~4893-5229 N).
• Tensile strength ranged from 34.20 MPa to 46.80 MPa for sandwich composites, with no observed delamination.

Conclusions:

• Bio-based sandwich composites with recycled polyamide textiles exhibit enhanced mechanical properties.
• Recycled textiles contribute positively to impact resistance and stiffness.
• These composites show promise as sustainable alternatives in material applications.