Testing and Analysis of Recycled Fibre Reinforced Plastic (FRP)

Since the discovery of polymers as a petroleum byproduct, the plastic industry has developed remarkably. This material has numerous advantages such as low weight, durability, malleability, high strength to weight ratio and lower cost than other materials. Worldwide, the production of all the polymeric materials including thermoplastic, thermosetting plastics, adhesives and coatings was expected to be 320 million metric tons for the year 2015. This growth is calculated to be about 9% to 10% per annum. The growing demand for polymer in different applications has led researchers to explore many new areas. Sometimes, the use of polymers in their applications and therefore, the resulting modifications of the polymers through adding filler materials can produce good results. Mass production and the use of polymers have also led to massive quantities of polymeric waste over the last 60 years. Most types of polymers are not eco-friendly, and do not degrade naturally. They last in environment for decades, some even for centuries. Even degradable polymers may take a long time to degrade depending on certain aspects of the local environment, such as exposure to ultra-violet light, oxygen content, and temperature