Effect of the recyclate on a deflection of composites in bending

The aim of the research was to determine the effect of polyester-glass recyclate on the deflection of composite samples subjected to three-point bending. The polyester-glass recyclate was obtained from the part of the ship’s hull made of polyester-glass composite, constituting scrap metal. The pieces of scrap were pre-fragmented and then processed into a prepared stand for this purpose. Such a fragmented recycling will be used to make composites with different scrap / recycled content. For this purpose, research materials were made using the vacuum bag method with the percentage of 0%, 10% and 20% recyclate) as well as various granulation (i.e. 1.2 mm and 3.0 mm). The research material consisted of rectangular plates with a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the samples. The samples for testing were made by water cutting. The tests were carried out on a suitably prepared stand, which was made of a universal Zwick Roell testing machine and three-point bending handles and a dial indicator. The spacing of the supports has been determined in accordance with the binding standard for three-point bending. Obtained results from tests, i.e. strain, stress, deflection, deformation allowed analysing the impact of recyclate on bending strength and defining the deflection arrow. Based on the results obtained from three-point bending, it can be concluded that the polyester-glass recycling has an influence on the decrease of strength, stress and deflections of the tested composites.