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The topic of Urban Solid Waste (USW) has become increasingly controversial in our times due to the high volumes being produced and not disposed properly; one effective way to reduce the generation of USW is finding new ways to recycling. This study proposes a means of recycling Tetra Brik® (TBr) cartons and high density polyethylene recycled containers (HDPEr), by generating an agglomerate with optimal mechanical properties in comparison with other TBr-based agglomerates. For the analysis of this material’s mechanical properties, two types of evaluation tests are carried out; flexure and screw pull-out test. Results show significant mechanical advantages over other TBr-based laminates by the integration of an HDPEr matrix to the system, thereby improving mechanical properties.

In the present study a new sandwich laminate is designed and mechanically characterized. The laminate is elaborated with a core of particulate composite material consisting of recycled material from milk and juice cartons (multilayer laminate of Tetra Brik®), and HDPE containers from Urban Solid Waste (USW). The elaborated material consists of aluminum facings with a particulate core, consolidated with a thermoplastic adhesive of polypropylene- maleic anhydride. The main properties under tension are evaluated under testing standards. Results show good compatibility in the union of elements, with potential applications in building facades and false walls for the construction and furnishing industries.

The aim of the present study is to analyze interfacial adhesion and characterize the tensile properties of a FML elaborated from thin layers of an aluminum alloy and layers of maleic anhydride modified polypropylene (MAHPP) reinforced with an aramid woven fabric. For the analysis of interfacial adhesion, a microbond test is carried out on the MAHPP-aramid fiber system and a single lap joint test is performed on FML constituent materials, as well as the tensile characterization of the FML and its constituents is conducted accordingly. Microbond testing revealed an improvement in interfacial shear strength for the MAHPP-aramid fiber system in comparison with that of polypropylene-aramid fiber systems reported in the literature. The apparent shear strength between the FML constituent materials is comparable to that for bonding of aluminum with MAHPP. Tensile characterization of the FML and its constituents showed that the FML presented greater tensile strength than the aluminum alloy; and a more ductile behavior in comparison with its individual components due to the degree of adhesion between the constituents which allows the material to deform in unison.

Ballistic grade composite materials have shown several advantages in comparison with their individual constituents, such as increased ballistic limit and reduced posterior trauma. One configuration in particular that has demonstrated greater ballistic efficiency is the arrangement of independent laminates (IL). It presents an increase in energy absorption compared to its counterpart of consolidated laminates (CL). In this study, an analysis is carried out to determine the effect on the ballistic performance of IL and CL arrangements when they are subjected to biaxial prestress (BP). Results show how the ballistic advantage obtained in IL is nullified in comparison with CL, thus demonstrating the limitations of this arrangement for possible applications where the arrangement is subjected to normal impacts with BP.