Functionalization of char derived from pyrolysis of metallised foodpackaging plastics waste and its application as a filler infiberglass/epoxy composites

Char derived from pyrolysis of plastic wastes represents about 20 wt. percent of the released pyrolysis products.In order to maximize the economic benefits and applications of this fraction, this research aims to refineand reprocess char derived from plastic waste into carbon particles, then using it as a micro-filler mate-rial for light material applications. The experiments were performed on char derived from pyrolysis ofmetallised food packaging plastics wastes (MFPWs)that represent the most complicated part in plasticwaste, and their char is usually loaded with aluminium elements. The experiments started with treatingMFPWs in pyrolysis plant with a capacity of 250 g, followed by separation of char from other pyrolysisproducts. The derived char was exposed to a milling process followed by a leaching process to separate Alfraction and other heavy metals. The liberated carbon particles were exposed to functionalization processto remove any contamination and amorphous impurities. The functionalized carbon black particles in theform of spherical microparticles (FBC: 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 wt. percent ) were used to enhance the mechanicalimpact, and thermal behaviour of fiberglass/epoxy composite laminates. The composite panels were pre-pared using vacuum-assisted resin transfer and curing processes. The morphology and the compositionof FBC were examined using SEM-EDS and FTIR. Also, SEM and Optical Microscope were used to observedispersion of FBC, microstructure, impact mechanism, and surface morphology of the fabricated matrix.The mechanical and impact properties of the panels were tested according to ASTM-D7025 and ISO 6603-2 standards, respectively. Finally, thermal behaviour of the panels was studied using a thermogravimetricanalysis. The results showed that 0.75 wt. percent of FBC were enough to improve the modulus of elasticity ofpanels by ?22 percent , compared to a pure sample. In addition, thermal stability and energy impact absorptionat the same concentration of FBCs were improved by 21 percent (in the main decomposition zone)and 38 percent ,respectively.