A Novel Polymer Concrete Composite with GFRP Waste: Applications, Morphology, and Porosity Characterization

Abstract

Composite materials reinforced with recycled fibers gather a great deal of interest with regards to construction applications. A novel polymer concrete composite was proposed, comprised of a surface layer and a structural composite reinforced with recycled glass fibers. The novel multi-material composite included a large amount of glass-fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) waste (30%), which is expected to help protect the environment. Large panels comprised of this polymer concrete composite, which reproduce the appearance of natural stone, were manufactured. A new methodology for porosity analysis of a large panel comprised of a multi-material composite was proposed, utilizing three-dimensional (3D) X-ray computed tomography (CT). The volume of pores was distributed between the constituent composite materials and then statistically analyzed. Homogeneous distribution of the pores within the novel multi-material composite was found. The observed mean porosities of the composite panel were 0.146% for the surface layer material and 31.3% for the structural composite material. The mean density of the panel, determined by the CT density method, was 1.73 g/cm3. The composite materials porosity provides a favorable effect for achieving lightweight structures. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, it was observed that a good connection interface between the constituent composite materials existed.