Investigation on the physio-mechanical properties of carpet waste polymer composites incorporated with multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT)

Abstract

In the structural functions of polymer components, the material's thermal stability and moisture absorption efficiency play a vital role in defining durability and physio-mechanical performance. This article emphasizes the experimental investigation of polymer (Epoxy) composites fabricated from carpet waste and Carbon nanomaterial (CBN). The supplement of Multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) into the epoxy/carpet waste polymer composites is proposed to enhance the physio-mechanical properties. The experimentation was performed to check the synergistic effect of nanomaterials in five configurations with different wt.% of MWCNT in the proposed composites. The water absorption, swelling rate, fire retardant and compression performance of the discarded carpet polymer composite modified with MWCNT have been investigated. The effect of water dipping and dry condition was completed to evaluate the composite feasibility. In addition, the fire-retardant properties of developed materials were analyzed using the fire (horizontal) setup process. The results found that incorporating the MWCNT nanoparticles into discarded carpet polymer composites can improve the compression strength. It was noticed that the few quantities of water were absorbed with less swelling effect at the 0.25 wt.% of MWCNT. The modified epoxy nanocomposites have higher specific properties values when compared to neat (discarded carpet polymer) composites. The fire retardancy properties have been enhanced remarkably with a supplement of lower nanomaterials wt.%. The findings show that the proposed carpet waste/MWCNT/polymer composites could be recommended for lightweight functions such as roadside barriers, wall tiles, toys, decorative frames, insulating materials, etc.

Keywords:

• Waste
• carpet
• MWCNT
• water absorption
• fire retardant

Acknowledgements

The authors would also like to thank o/O DC (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, New Delhi, India.

Disclosure statement

The authors declared no potential conflicts of interest.

Additional information

Funding

This research work is financially sponsored by o/O DC (Handicrafts), New Delhi, India, under R&D Project ID: K-12012/4/3/2021-22/R&D/ST.