Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 4, 2025

The Effect of Construction and Demolition Waste Plastic Fractions on Wood-Polymer Composite Properties
Published on: June 7, 2020
Utilizing composite recyclate as reinforcement in inverse-vulcanised polymers
Y Athulya Wickramasingha1, Margaux Rodriguez1, David J Hayne1
1Institute for Frontier Materials, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, 3216, Australia. luke.henderson@deakin.edu.au.
This study introduces a sustainable method to prevent filler settling in vitrimeric polymers using recycled composites. The new materials show significantly improved strength and hardness, while retaining recyclability.
Area of Science:
- Polymer Science
- Materials Science
- Sustainable Materials
Background:
- Filler settling is a common issue in polymer composites, affecting material properties.
- Vitrimeric polymers offer unique properties like recyclability but can suffer from filler dispersion challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a sustainable method for preventing filler settling in vitrimeric polymers.
- To utilize mechanically recycled composite fillers for enhanced material performance.
Main Methods:
- Incorporation of mechanically recycled composite fillers into a vitrimeric polymer matrix.
- Characterization of the resulting composite's mechanical properties and recyclability.
Main Results:
- Achieved over 40% improvement in flexural strength.
- Demonstrated over 70% improvement in material hardness.
- Maintained recyclability and mechanical performance after remanufacturing.
Conclusions:
- The use of mechanically recycled composite fillers is an effective strategy to prevent filler settling in vitrimeric polymers.
- This approach enhances mechanical properties without compromising sustainability.
- The developed composites are suitable for advanced manufacturing applications requiring robust and recyclable materials.
Related Concept Videos
Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Types of Step-Growth Polymers: Polyesters
Polyesters are commonly prepared from terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol; the crude product is known as poly(ethylene terephthalate) or PET. However, polyesters are synthesized industrially by transesterification of dimethyl terephthalate with ethylene glycol at 150 °C. The two reactants and the...
Additives and Fillers in Concrete
The...
Reinforcements in Concrete
Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Overview
Ruthenium-based Grubbs catalyst is the most commonly used catalyst for olefin metathesis polymerization. Grubbs catalyst consists...
Olefin Metathesis Polymerization: Ring-Opening Metathesis Polymerization (ROMP)

