Grantee Research Project Results

Utilization of Scrap Prepreg Wastes as a Reinforcement in a Wholly Recycled Plastic

EPA Contract Number: 68D40066
Title: Utilization of Scrap Prepreg Wastes as a Reinforcement in a Wholly Recycled Plastic
Investigators: Blizard, Kent G.
Small Business: Foster-Miller Inc.
EPA Contact: Richards, April
Phase: II
Project Period: September 1, 1994 through March 1, 1996
Project Amount: $164,668
RFA: Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) - Phase II (1994) RFA Text |  Recipients Lists
Research Category: Hazardous Waste/Remediation , SBIR - Waste , Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR)

Description:

Foster-Miller is proposing to combine Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) commingled plastics with a high performance reinforcement (scrap prepreg) to form a durable and cost competitive wood substitute with superior moisture, rodent and insect resistance. This proposed technology also provides a wealth of environmentally related benefits including:

• reduced disposal of hazardous wastes,
  
• reduced landfill requirements for plastic waste disposal,
  
• reduced need for consuming environmental plant life (trees),
  
• reduced use of toxic products such as pressure treated wood, and
  
• source reduction via increased product life.

In Phase I, they demonstrated the feasibility of their approach. Tensile strength and tensile modulus of the Phase I composite plastic lumber was 55% and 4.5 times higher then the neat commingled plastic. They also demonstrated that the selection of appropriate fiber/matrix coupling agents and prepreg fiber length are critical factors in achieving ultimate properties. In the proposed Phase II program, they will build on this well established foundation. Specifically in Phase II, they will:

• review and select improved compatibilizers,
  
• develop improved processes for extruding longer length fibers,
  
• identify and use improved coupling agents,
  
• produce and test reinforced plastic profiles,
  
• perform an economic assessment of the technology, and
  
• transition the technology into the commercial sector.

Supplemental Keywords:

Construction Materials, Commingled Plastic, Scrap Prepreg, Hazardous Waste, Plastic Lumber., RFA, Scientific Discipline, Waste, Sustainable Industry/Business, Chemical Engineering, Municipal, Environmental Chemistry, Sustainable Environment, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Technology for Sustainable Environment, Environmental Engineering, scrap prepreg, municipal waste plastics, commingled plastic, recycled plastics, municipal waste, commingled plastics, recycling, plastics, construction material

Progress and Final Reports:

Final

SBIR Phase I:

Utilization of Scrap Prepreg Wastes as a Reinforcement in a Wholly Recycled Plastic