Determination of the effects of recycling on thermoset matrix composites in automotive applications

Thermoplastic matrix composites are new generation of plastic matrix composites, which are widely used in practice in the last decade. Particularly in the energy, automotive and aerospace applications come into prominence. Previously, thermoset matrix composites were understood in the words of plastic matrix composites. Because of this reason, thermoplastic matrix is especially emphasized. Non-polluting, eco-friendly sources of energy applications in aerospace and automotive applications required specific strength and low weight are particularly preferred. Not only the production of the products in question, but also the direct pollution of the environment after use, is the inevitable reality. Therefore, prior to the use of thermoplastics original, then the re-use of recycled thermoplastics were studied in two stages. This study consists of a total of eight sections. In the first section, under the heading of Introduction, was given aim of the thesis, hypothesis and the summary of the literature. Composite materials were introduced in the second section and with the help of micromechanic models, the mathematics of the subject was studied. Polymer matrix and fiber materials were dealt in the third section with the subject more on the HDPE matrix and discontinuous E-glass fibers, which were used in the experiments are given in detail. The fourth section is the section of recycling methods are discussed in detail. Here, recycling methods used in the EU countries and in the world, along with advantages and disadvantages, are examined alos with the given the statistical results. Commonly used mechanical recycling method by examining the infrastructures needed for applications in studies are also given here. The fifth section is the automotive applications of the thesis. At first, the casting method to be used instead of metal parts made of composites manufactured by injection molding were discussed. In the first stage, especially oil pans, upper and lower block covers are among the targeted applications. Primarily application of recycled composites are, impact-absorbing bumpers, automotive applications used in the vehicle compartment separators, and some of the public transport bonnets. The study is based on and aimed, the applications of impact-absorbing bumper and principles of project and application are needed in this regard. The sixth chapter is a comprehensive section containing the experimental works, in which the first stage of the recycling process and the parameters have been discussed. The sample productions were made in the second step; mechanical, physical and technological experiments were made and test results were obtained. In the experiments on the subject, ISO EN standards were used. The seventh section is in the form of assessment of the sixth chapter, the findings were given in tabular and analytical and the change of properties and material behaviour with recycling are expressed in mathematics. Light and scanning electron microscopy studies were also given in this section. Change of properties for automotive parts, which were designed for outdoor, such as bumpers, etc. with the UV light, was also given in this section. The last section is the eighth section, where the results were examined. The results of changings were interpreted in this section and qualified advices for the progression of the study were also given in here. Because of the whole study based on the experimental procedures and directly to the applications, it consisted an important database for the nextly serious project works.