Comminuted thermoset recyclate as a reinforcing filler for thermoplastics - Part I - Characterisation of recyclate feedstocks

This, and a subsequent paper consider the re-use of thermoset recyclate as a functional filler for polypropylene. Emphasis is given in this communicat ion to characterisation of feedstocks produced by size-reducing dough mould ing compound (DMC) and woven glass phenolic laminate (GWP). The physical pr operties of these microcomposite particulates have been analysed to determi ne their size, morphology, structural integrity and thermal stability at po lypropylene melt processing temperatures. The DMC recyclate was found to ha ve a glass fibre content of 26(w)/o, with fibres up to 10 mm retained in th e comminuted particulates. The material is stable up to similar to 220 degr eesC. The GWP, however comprised 79(w)/o of woven glass platelets which are largely preserved in the size-reduced recyclate. The material is thermally stable up to 290 degreesC. (C) 2001 Kluwer Academic Publishers.