Characterisation and improvement of the quality of mixing of recycled thermoplastic composites

A low-shear mixer was used to blend thermoplastic composite scrap material into a molten mixed dough, which then compression moulded. This process is key step in novel recycling solution for composites. study carried out characterise the quality of mixing (QoM) blended doughs understand how improve QoM towards further improvement and implementation solution. In order achieve this, effect parameters fibre length on were studied. shredded C/PPS flakes, originating from consolidated laminate scrap. These flakes are about 20 mm size, contain woven fabric reinforcement, making them far different regular pellets, therefore more difficult mix. The characterised by means image analysis large set cross-sectional microscopy images, based scale intensity segregation clusters evaluated. Bundle size distribution determined applying Delaunay triangulations cluster centres. methods found be suitable characterising such doughs. Increasing time speed identified as ways process. With current machine, it also suggested not use fibres longer than 15 average limit intra-dough variability. For made mm, improvements device could sufficiently increase QoM.