MECHANICAL RECYCLING OF PVC MATRIX AND POLYESTER FIBER PLASTIC COMPOSITES: EVALUATION OF PROPERTIES AND REUSE POTENTIAL

Abstract

The growing demand for sustainable solutions drives the recycling of composites. This study evaluated the feasibility of mechanical recycling of PVC/polyester waste, aiming to develop formulations with post-consumer and post- industrial waste. The objective was to analyze the impact of recycling on mechanical properties. The methodology involved grinding, formulation and production of test specimens (injection/calendering). Tensile, compression, hardness and density tests were performed. Intermediate contents of recycled composite (20-30 PCR) optimized strength and structural balance. Mechanical recycling proved to be viable, maintaining acceptable properties, with potential for diverse applications. Future studies should optimize the matrix-fiber interaction.