Abstract

The investigation into recycling methodologies for composite materials has emerged as a prominent area of study, encompassing both theoretical research and practical implementation. Within this context, the present study focuses on the mechanical recycling of obsolete epoxy resin pieces reinforced with fiberglass, which are subsequently repurposed as fillers in the production of new profiles through pultrusion technology.

A comprehensive examination of the grinding process, granulometric distribution, and rheological properties of the final system was conducted, with the objective of maximizing the filler content within the resin while optimizing the properties of the manufactured profile. Consequently, a flat profile measuring 10 cm in width was successfully fabricated, which incorporates the recycled filler comprising up to 30 % of the resin’s total weight. This achievement was realized by employing a pultrusion system measuring 25 meters in length, coupled with a heated flat plate mold spanning 80 cm.

Following the fabrication of the profile, an extensive characterization of both its physicochemical properties and mechanical behavior was conducted to investigate the influence of filler on the ultimate product. The outcomes obtained demonstrate compelling evidence that the incorporation of the recovered filler effectively enhances the interlaminar properties of the pultruded composite materials, thereby underscoring the inherent potential of the charge as a reinforcing agent.