Properties of Thermoplastics Reinforced with Foundry Sand Waste

Abstract

Thermoplastic rejects are unrecyclable plastics that are often burned causing harmful emissions. Foundry sand waste is a hazardous waste that poses significant health risks. This paper investigates the mechanical and environmental properties of thermoplastic rejects reinforced with foundry sand waste. The thermoplastic rejects were reinforced with foundry sand waste at different percentages of 10, 20, and 30% reinforcement. Regular sand was also used as a reinforcing material to be compared with the properties of foundry sand waste at these percentages. It was shown that thermoplastic rejects reinforced with foundry sand waste at 10% reinforcement had significant improvements to the mechanical properties of the material. Two different machining methods of milling and rolling were analyzed and found that the rolling method allowed for better tensile strengths of approximately 42% better values and higher ductility. The environmental tests showed that the material did not produce any leachate, and would not corrode under chemicals of high corrosivity. This composite material has increased strength and may be used in suitable applications such as manhole covers, speed bumps, and pavement blocks.