Structural Composites from Waste Carpet
CARE - 8th annual conferenceSanta Fe, NM04/27/2010
Abhishek Jain, Seshumani Vorrey and Raman P. Singh
Mechanics of Advanced Materials LaboratorySchool of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Oklahoma State University
Research supported byOklahoma Center for Advancement of Science and Technology
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Background2
Kenny TownsendKT Plastics, Calera, OK
Dr. Abhishek K. SinghEx-graduate studentMechanics of Advanced Mechanics LaboratoryOklahoma State University
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Resin infusion process3
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Conventional methods of recycling
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• Depolymerization• Injection and Compression molding • Melt-blending• Incineration
Mihut et al., Review: Recycling of Nylon From Carpet Waste, Polymer Engg. & Science, Sept. 2001, Vol. 41, No. 9.
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Why is recycling difficult ?
• Multicomponent structure• Chemically diverse• Incompatibility• Tedious processing
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Advantages
• Direct use of post-consumer carpet• No raw material preparation• Applicable to all types of carpet• Simple and scalable process• Room temperature processing with low
energy requirements
• Better quality product
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Comparison 8
Properties Melt-blend Composite
MAML Laminates(ASTM D-790)
Modulus of elasticity 689 MPa 1722 MPa
Flexural strength 4 - 17 MPa 27 MPa
Density 0.6 - 1.2 g/cc 1.1 g/cc
Mancosh et al. (2008)
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SEM micrographs9
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Carpet fibers with unmodified process
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Results 10
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SEM micrograph 11
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Carpet fibers with modified process
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Conclusion
• Developed novel fabrication technique - engineered composite from waste carpet
• Inexpensive and easy to process• Utilizes material architecture• Harnesses the properties of fibers• Superior properties
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On going work
• Basic mechanical properties - Screw pull out • Physical properties - Sound absorption, thermal
properties
• Application - Consumers, infrastructure, transportation
• Cost analysis
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Acknowledgment and Partnerships
Oklahoma Center for Advancement of Science & Technology (OARS program)
Oklahoma Transportation Commission
Kenny Townsend, KT Plastics, Calera, Oklahoma
Dr. Ranji Vaidyanthan, NPDC, OSU
Dr. Dan Tilley, NPDC, OSU
Oklahoma Manufacturers Alliance
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