Processing and applications of new class of glass fibrerecyclate

Novel recycling technology has resulted in a new type of E-glass fibre product, Fiberlets, recovered from fibre manufacturers' in house waste. An interesting characteristic is its low aspect ratio, which gives it the ability to pack efficiently, enabling high glass content products to be achieved without an unduly large increase in viscosity that could affect processability. This paper reports an initial study, which shows that the material can be used in both thermosetting and thermoplastic moulding materials. Synergistic effects have been found with combinations of Fiberlets and conventional short fibre reinforcement in bulk moulding compounds. In thermoplastic moulding materials, benefits include improvements in modulus and creep, with the possibility of making readily processable compounds with high inorganic content. Applications therefore include cost effective bulk moulding compounds and high glass content thermoplastic moulding materials with improved creep behaviour. Several other uses ar...