Epoxy Matrix Composites Containing Urea Formaldehyde Waste Particulate Filler

In the present study, industrial toilet seat wastes which contain 70 wt% urea formaldehyde and 30 wt% cellulose were used as a particulate reinforcement in epoxy matrix and their mechanical and physical properties were investigated. The usage of urea formaldehyde and cellulose mixture as filler of polymer composite materials is a novel study. Initially toilet seat wastes were ground and particles in the required size range were obtained. The characterization of waste particulate filler was carried out by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction techniques and He gas pycnometer. Optimum concentration of the filler was determined as a maximum of 40 wt% because of the increase in viscosity at higher waste concentration. The effect of particle size on mechanical properties such as hardness, bending strength and bending modulus was evaluated. These are the key properties most likely to be affected by incorporation of reinforcement phase. Experimental results showed that bending modulus and hardness increased and bending strength decreased with filler addition into epoxy resin. With the increase in filler content both porosity and bending strength decreased and bending modulus increased. On the other hand increase in particle size led to the enhancement of bending strength and bending modulus while accompanied with a decrease in porosity. As a result, incorporation of urea formaldehyde wastes basically resulted in the reinforcement of the epoxy matrix. This allows for the recycling of hardly recoverable thermosetting residues as well as improving some mechanical properties of the composites.