Patent ID: 12227458

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Present invention deals with a simple process for the manufacturing low density and glossy finish composites under single operation, wherein the density of the composites fabricated using industrial waste particulates (20-80%) with or without fibre reinforcement (2-15%) in polyurethane binder system exhibits as low as 0.22 g/cc to 1.2 g/cc density with its corresponding tensile strength and tensile modulus 6.5-35 MPa and 150-3500 MPa respectively. Moreover, the hybrid green composite fabricated under one stage operation using epoxy resin/polyester resin with natural fibre (2-15%)/waste particulates (20-80%) reinforced or in combination of natural fibres and particulates reinforced glossy finish/decorative composites resulted a density ranging from 0.2 to 1.68 g/cc with its corresponding water absorption from 0.1 to 1.3%, tensile strength, tensile modulus the range of 22-105 MPa, 2000-6850 MPa, respectively.FIG.2shows tensile stress-strain curves of glossy finish particulates reinforced polymer green hybrid composite sheets prepared by marble waste and epoxy resin.FIG.3shows the tensile stress-strain curves of glossy finish particulates fibre reinforced green hybrid composite sheets prepared by marble waste, jute fibre and epoxy resin.

Present invention relates to a simple process for the manufacturing moisture resistant glossy finish hybrid composites particulates polymer composite sheet up to dimension of 220×120 cm with variable thickness, under single operation mode, using waste particulate such as mineral wastes, mining wastes, polymeric wastes, marble waste, polymeric waste ground residues, fly ash, chemical industry gypsum based waste, residues arising from secondary process of zinc, copper, aluminum ,smelters, agricultural green residues, burned residues reinforced with epoxy/polyester resin using compression moulding method under temperature varying from 16±2° C. to 75±2° C. and at varying casting pressure from 2 to 95 kg/cm2in single operation mode followed by hot air oven curing for 10-24 hr at 60-80° C. The resulted density of particulates polymer hybrid composites are from 1.25 g/cc to 1.68 g/cc with its corresponding water absorption of 0.1-1.26%, tensile strength and tensile modulus of 22-90 MPa and 250-6500 MPa, respectively.

Present invention relates to a simple process for the manufacturing high performance glossy finish hybrid composites fibres polymer composite sheet up to dimension of 220×120 cm with variable thickness, using natural chopped fibres such glass fibre, sisal fibre, pine apple fibre, jute fibre, banana fibre, flax, cotton, hemp fibres and synthetics fabrics/textiles reinforced with epoxy/polyester resin using compression moulding method under temperature varying from 16±2° C. to 75±2° C. and at varying casting pressure from 2 to 95 kg/cm2in single operation mode followed by hot air oven curing for 10-24 hr at 60-105° C. The resulted density of particulates polymer hybrid composites are from 1.2 g/cc to 1.62 g/cc with its corresponding water absorption of 0.10-1.32%, tensile strength and tensile modulus of 28-105 MPa and 3260-6850 MPa respectively.

The raw materials in making such composites are available substantially from different industrial operation. These composites can be made either with particulates or with particulates and fibres under injection moulding system or compression moulding system in closed mould. It is possible to make specific components of desired shape, dimension under injection moulding system too. The potential applications of composites are architectural interiors in building construction sector and transport system including locomotives (rail coach sleeper bed plank, interiors, seat back board, support panels, flooring, false ceiling and partition panels, toilet doors and panels). Findings of the work done potentially exploit the use of unutilised plant fibres as partial substitute to glass fibre or other synthetic fibres in composites as engineering materials.

Use of cellulosic fibre in polymer composites have shown considerable progress in recent years due to many technical and social advantages as it exhibits lightweight, biodegradable and renewable in nature. Nevertheless, the composite's characteristics depend on many factors such as fibre and matrix system, performance of individual components and their interfacial compatibility. Among cellulosic fibres, use of jute, hemp and flax fibres are more pronounced. Though, there is wide variation in the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of different cellulosic fibres, jute fibre is found to be one of the promising cellulosic fibre, has better utility as a reinforcing medium beyond its traditional utility as ropes, carpets, mats, toys, bags, envelopes etc. India is one of the world's leading jute producers and the annual production of jute fibre is more than 2 million tonnes. Industrial waste particulates are naturally wasted resource which has potential for use as a reinforcing particulates and filler and catalyst in polymer matrix composites. Universally, more than 20 billion tons of such waste particulates have been annually produced and India alone produces about one billion tonnes of solid wastes during 2014-2015.

Wide range of industrial waste particulates used in the present invention consists of 60-95% silt and clay sized particles and the particle size varied from 5-85 μm. The chemical composition present in the wide range of particulates were oxides of silica (3.5-65%), alumina (0.5-15%), iron (0.2-58%), calcium (0.2-28%), magnesium (0.15-4.2%), copper (0.35-4%), sulphur (0.1-14%) with low concentration (below 1.5%) of other constituents such as, zinc, chromium, cobalt, nickel lead. Physical and chemical characteristics of industrial waste particulates are as shown in Table 1 and Table 2. Mechanical properties of fibres such as jute, sisal, and glass and jute fabric are given in Table 3.

TABLE 1Physical characteristics of industrial waste particulatesPhysical PropertyMarbleJarositeGraniteS. NoPhysical propertiesFly ashwastesRed MudwasteWaste1Particle size (μm)5-20010-1505-1502-7510-1502Bulk density (g/cc)0.85-1.601.0-1.851.2-1.80.98-1.41.15-1.853Specific gravity2.0-2.82.0-2.82.2-3.42.2-2.951.7-2.64Porosity (%)30-6535-5045-6540-7535-655pH4.5-126-9.54-12.54.0-9.56.5-9.56Electrical conductivity250-850200-900450-8008500-13597730-24000(μmohs/HP)7Specific surface area (HP2/g)>1000>1100>1200>900>12008Waterholding capacity (%)<55<50<45<85<65

TABLE 2Chemical characteristics of industrial waste particulatesChemicalCompositions (%)S. NoComponentsFly ashMarble wastesRed MudJarosite1SiO240-6005-1002-123.5-6.52Fe2O304-100.1-0210-4545-583Al2O308-350.5-055-202.2-3.54CaO01-1030-603-105.0-7.55MgO0.1-052-10<011.2-2.56K2O0.1-02<0.5<0.50.5-1.27ZnO0.1-03<0.1<0.54.8-128CuO<0.5<0.2<0.3<1.119PbO<0.2<0.1<0.21.2-2.410Loss on Ignition1030-6010—

TABLE 3Mechanical properties of fibres such asjute, sisal, and glass and jute fabricJuteS. NParametersJuteSisalGlassFabric1Density g/cc1.25-1.451.3-1.452.562.512Elongation (%)1.5-5.00.3-.754.519.27 ± 2.813Tensile strength300-650250-650200018.07 ± 1.30(MPa)4Young's modulus5-355.5-22.573.00.2 ± 0.01(GPa)

Results revealed from the present invention that the moisture/water resistance lightweight composites reinforced with particulates with polyurethane binder system showed the density varying from 0.22 g/cc to 1.2 g/cc. The resultant tensile and tensile modulus was 6.5-35 MPa and 150-3500 MPa respectively. Incorporation of particulates enhanced the tensile strength and tensile modulus of composites as compared to without particulate reinforcement. It is apparent that particulates and fibre reinforced composite resulted in further low density composites with better mechanical properties. The internal surface of the tensile fractured sample studied by Scanning Electron Microscopic showed good interfacial bonding between polyurethane micro-balloons and particulates. It is evident from the extensive research that the presence of silica and alumina and other constituents in the particulates together with the cellulosic content in bio-fibre enhanced the interfacial adhesion resulting improved mechanical properties.

The findings of the present study showed significant improvement in the water absorption, mechanical properties of low density composites as compared to the work reported by others which influence the light and stiff components for potential application as architectural interior in building and transport system. The utility of the concept developed in the present invention opened an avenue to potentially exploit the unutilised waste particulates and fibres in replacing glass fibers and other petroleum based fibres and composites.

The moisture/water resistance glossy finish composites has tremendous scope in wide range of applications such as partition, false ceiling, non load bearing walls as a architectural panels/partitions in construction industries, automotive and locomotive sectors. The potential application of these lightweight composites in locomotive applications includes: coach berth panels, seat support panels, doors, false ceiling and roofing panels, partition, window frame and furniture. Furthermore, these composites are free from insects, fungus, termite, and moisture absorption and corrosion attack. The present invention has significant role for commercial exploitation in composite industry for sustainable development.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the glossy finish moisture/water resistance high performance composite's fabricated using waste particulate/fibre reinforced with epoxy resin system resulted density from 1.25 g/cc to 1.68 g/cc with its corresponding moisture/water absorption from 0.1 to 1.3%, tensile strength and tensile modulus 22-90 MPa and 250-6500 MPa, respectively. These composites can be made either with particulates or with particulates and fibres under compression moulding system either in open moulds or closed mould system. It is possible to make specific components of desired shape, dimension under injection moulding system too. The potential applications of composites are architectural interiors in building construction sector and transport system including locomotives (rail coach sleeper bed plank, interiors, seat back board, support panels, flooring, false ceiling and partition panels, toilet doors and panels) and as skin materials for making sandwich structure. Findings of the work done potentially exploit the use of unutilised waste resources and plant fibres or other synthetic fibres in composites as engineering materials.

The novelty of the present invention is for making lightweight with variable density and glossy finish polymer matrix composites as well as glossy finish high strength composites sheet with water resistant termite free waste particulates and natural fibres reinforced composites sheets which are useful for multiple applications spectrum as alternative materials to timber, plastic and FRP/GRP products/materials.

EXAMPLES

Following examples are given by way of illustration and therefore should not be construed to limit the scope of the invention.

Example-1

Glossy Finish Particulate Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Composite (PRPC) Sheets Using Epoxy Resin

Raw Materials: Industrial waste particulates (mineral wastes, mining wastes, polymeric wastes, marble waste, polymeric waste ground residues, fly ash, chemical industry gypsum based waste, residues arising from secondary process of zinc, copper, aluminum, smelters, agricultural green residues, burned residues) were used as reinforced materials. Polymer used to make glossy finish sheet was commercial grade epoxy/polyester resin. Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) and cobalt naphthenate were used as catalyst. Industrial waste particulates used in these glossy finish green hybrid composites have particle size in range of 2.0-75 μm, density of 0.85-1.87 g/cc, porosity of 30-68% and water holding capacity in range of 25 to 110%.

Process: Detailed laboratory experimental programme was conducted where in wide range of industrial waste particulates (mineral wastes, mining wastes, polymeric wastes, marble waste, polymeric waste ground residues, fly ash, chemical industry gypsum based waste, residues arising from secondary process of zinc, copper, aluminum, smelters, agricultural green residues, burned residues)were processed and 50-80% of wastes were used alone (any one type of waste particulates in one sheet) and they were homogeneously mixed with the epoxy/polyester resin based binder system using mechanical stirrer at room temperature and methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) and cobalt naphthenate were used as catalyst (2-5%). A compression moulding machine was used to fabricate the glossy finish particulate reinforced polymer composite (PRPC) sheet. Casting and fabrication of the composite sheet was done at varying temperature of 16±2° C.-75±2° C. and at varying casting pressure from 2 to 95 kg/cm2in single operation mode. The fabricated glossy finish PRPC sheets were cured in an oven at 60-120° C. for 12-24 hours. Pigment of about 0.2 to 0.5% of epoxy resin/polyester resin is used creates colour in composite sheet. Different thickness (1.35 mm, 3 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm,12 mm, and 19 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm and 50 mm) of glossy finish PRPC sheets were fabricated. In lab scale experiment, size of the fabricated PRPC sheets was 32×22 cm. Up- scaling of glossy finish PRPC sheets was also done glossy finish PRPC up to the dimension of 220 cm×120 cm with varying thickness of 1.35 mm, 3 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, and 19 mm) were fabricated (FIG.4).

Properties: The following are the some of the measured properties of above described glossy finish industrial wastes based PRPC sheets:Density: 1.30-1.68 g/cc; Water Absorption: 0.10-1.26%Thickness Swelling: 0.28-4.2%; Tensile Strength: 22-88 MPaTensile Modulus: 2900-3340 MPa

Example-2

Glossy Finish Fibre Reinforced Hybridpolymer Composite (FRPC) Sheets Using Epoxy Resin

Raw Materials: Fibres such as glass fibre, sisal fibre, pine apple fibre, jute fibre, banana fibre, flax, cotton, hemp fibres were used as reinforced materials. Commercial grade bi-directional jute fabric [grams per square metre (GSM) of about 300 GSM] and chopped fabric with size of 2.0-45 mm were used. The polymer used to make glossy finish sheet was commercial grade epoxy/polyester resin. Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) and cobalt naphthenate were used as catalyst. Fibers used to fabricate glossy finish fibre reinforced composites have density in range of 1.25-1.45 g/cc, elongation in range of 0.3-5.0%, tensile strength of 250-650 MPa and Young's modulus in range of 5-35 GPa.

Process: Detailed laboratory experimental programme was conducted where in wide range of fibres (e.g. glass fibre, sisal fibre, pine apple fibre, jute fibre, banana fibre, flax, cotton, hemp fibres) were chemically processed and 15-40% of fibres or chopped fibres/textile with size of 100 μm-5 cm were used alone (any one type of chopped fibre in one sheet) and then it was homogeneously mixed with the epoxy/polyester resin based binder system using mechanical stirrer at room temperature and methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) and cobalt naphthenate were used as catalyst (2-5%). Calendaring of fabric/textile sheet was done over chopped natural fibres reinforced composite sheet A compression moulding machine was used to fabricate the glossy finish fibres reinforced polymer composite (FRPC) sheet. Casting and fabrication of the composite sheet was done at varying temperature of 16±2° C.-75±2° C. and at varying casting pressure from 2 to 95 kg/cm2in single operation mode. The fabricated glossy FRPC sheets were cured in an oven at 60-120° C. for 12-24 hours. Pigment of about 0.2 to 0.5% of epoxy resin/polyester resin is used creates colour in composite sheet. Different thickness (1.35 mm, 3 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, and 19 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm and 50 mm) of glossy finish FRPC sheets were fabricated. In lab-scale experiment, size of the fabricated FRPC sheets was 32×22 cm. Up- scaling of glossy finish FRPC sheets was also done and glossy finish FRPC up to the dimension of 220 cm×120 cm with varying thickness of (1.35 mm, 3 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm,12 mm, and 19 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm and 50 mm) were fabricated (FIG.5).

Properties: The following are the some of the measured properties of above described glossy finish FRPC sheets:Density: 1.2-1.62 g/cc; Water Absorption: 0.10-1.32%)Thickness Swelling: 0.22-5.5%; Tensile Strength: 28.00-105.00 MPaTensile Modulus: 3260-6850 MPa

Example-3

Glossy Finish Particulate Fibre Reinforced Hybrid Polymer Composite (PFRPC) Sheets Using Epoxy Resin

Raw Materials: Industrial waste particulates (mineral wastes, mining wastes, polymeric wastes, marble waste, polymeric waste ground residues, fly ash, chemical industry gypsum based waste, residues arising from secondary process of zinc, copper, aluminum ,smelters, agricultural green residues, burned residues) were used as reinforced materials. Polymer used to make glossy finish sheet was commercial grade epoxy/polyester resin. Methyl Ethyl Ketone Peroxide (MEKP) and cobalt naphthenate were used as catalyst. Industrial waste particulates used in these glossy finish green hybrid composites have particle size in range of 2.0-75 μm, density of 0.85-1.87 g/cc, porosity of 30-68% and water holding capacity in range of 25 to 110%. Fibers used in these glossy finish green fibre reinforced composites have density in range of 1.25-1.45 g/cc, elongation in range of 0.3 - 5.0%, tensile strength of 250-650 MPa and Young's modulus in range of 5-35 GPa.

Process: Detailed laboratory experimental programme was conducted where in wide range of industrial waste particulates(mineral wastes, mining wastes, polymeric wastes, marble waste, polymeric waste ground residues, fly ash, chemical industry gypsum based waste, residues arising from secondary process of zinc, copper, aluminum ,smelters, agricultural green residues, burned residues) were processed and 50-80% of alone or hybridization with other industrial wastes were used (one or in combination of two or more than two types of waste particulates). Similarly, a wide range of fibres (e.g. glass fibre, sisal fibre, pine apple fibre, jute fibre, banana fibre, flax, cotton, hemp fibres) were chemically processed and 5-35% ratio of fibre or chopped fibres/textile with size of 100 μm-5 cm were used alone (any one type of chopped fibre in one sheet) and then both(particulates and fibres) were homogeneously mixed with the epoxy/polyester resin based binder system using mechanical stirrer at room temperature and methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) and cobalt naphthenate were used as catalyst (2-5%). Calendaring of fabric/textile sheet was done over chopped natural fibres reinforced composite sheet .A compression moulding machine was used to fabricate the glossy finish fibres particulate reinforced polymer composite (FPRPC) sheet. Casting and fabrication of the composite sheet was done at varying temperature of 16±2° C.-75±2° C. and at varying casting pressure from 2-95 kg/cm2in single operation mode. The fabricated glossy finish FPRPC sheets were cured in an oven at 60-120° C. for 12-24 hours. Pigment of about 0.2 to 0.5% of epoxy resin/polyester resin is used creates colour in composite sheet. Different thickness (1.35 mm, 3 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, and 19 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm and 50 mm)of glossy finish FPRPC sheets were fabricated. In lab scale experiment, size of the fabricated FPRPC sheets was 32×22 cm2. Up-scaling of glossy finish FPRPC sheets was also done glossy finish FPRPC up to the dimension of 220 cm×120 cm with varying thickness of 1.35 mm, 3 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, and 19 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm and 50 mm) were fabricated (FIG.6).

Properties: The following are the some of the measured properties of above described glossy finish industrial wastes based PFRPC sheets:Density: 1.25-1.65 g/cc; Water Absorption: 0.10-1.3%; Thickness Swelling: 0.28-5.0%Tensile Strength: 25-90 MPa; Tensile Modulus: 2950-6200 MPa

Example-4

Glossy Finish Particulate-Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composite (PFRPC) Sheets Using Epoxy Resin: (With One Type of Particulates and Alone/Hybrid Fibres)

Raw Materials: Industrial waste particulates (mineral wastes, mining wastes, polymeric wastes, marble waste, polymeric waste ground residues, fly ash, chemical industry gypsum based waste, residues arising from secondary process of zinc, copper, aluminum, smelters, agricultural green residues, burned residues) were used as reinforced materials. Fibres such as glass fibre, sisal fibre, pine apple fibre, jute fibre, banana fibre, flax, cotton, hemp fibres were used as reinforced materials. Commercial grade bi-directional jute fabric [grams per square metre (GSM) of about 300 GSM] and chopped fabric with size of 100 μm-5 cm were used. Polymer used to make glossy finish sheet was commercial grade epoxy/polyester resin. Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) and cobalt naphthenate were used as catalyst. Industrial waste particulates used in these glossy finish green hybrid composites have particle size in range of 2.0-75 μm, density of 0.85-1.87 g/cc, porosity of 30-68% and water holding capacity in range of 25 to 110%. Fibers used in these glossy finish green fibre reinforced composites have density in range 1.25-1.45 g/cc, elongation in range of 0.3-5.0%, tensile strength of 250-650 MPa and Young's modulus in range of 5-35 GPa.

Process: Detailed laboratory experimental programme was conducted where in wide range of industrial waste particulates (mineral wastes, mining wastes, polymeric wastes, marble waste, polymeric waste ground residues, fly ash, chemical industry gypsum based waste, residues arising from secondary process of zinc, copper, aluminum ,smelters, agricultural green residues, burned residues) were processed and 50-80% of wastes were used as alone (one type of waste particulates in one sheets). Similarly, a wide range of fibres (e.g. glass fibre, sisal fibre, pine apple fibre, jute fibre, banana fibre, flax, cotton, hemp fibres) were chemically processed and 5-35% ratio of fibre or chopped fibres/textile with size of 100 μm-5 cm were used alone (any one type of chopped fibre in one sheet), and then both (particulates and fibers) were homogeneously mixed with the epoxy resin based binder system using mechanical stirrer at room temperature and methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) and cobalt naphthenate were used as catalyst (2-5%). Calendaring of fabric/textile sheet was done over chopped natural fibres reinforced composite sheet. A compression moulding machine was used to fabricate the glossy finish particulate fibres reinforced polymer composite (FPRPC) sheet. Casting and fabrication of the composite sheet was done at varying temperature of 16±2° C.-75±2° C. and at varying casting pressure from 2-95 kg/cm2in single operation mode. The fabricated glossy finish PFRPC sheets were cured in an oven at 60-80° C. for 12-24 hours. Pigment of about 0.2 to 0.5% of epoxy resin/polyester resin is used creates colour in composite sheet. Different thickness (1.35 mm, 3 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, and 19 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm and 50 mm) of glossy finish FPRPC sheets were fabricated. In lab scale experiment, size of the fabricated FPRPC sheets was 32×22 cm. Up-scaling of glossy finish PFRPC sheets was also done glossy finish PFRPC up to the dimension of 220 cm×120 cm with varying thickness of 1.35 mm, 3 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, and 19 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm and 50 mm) were fabricated (FIG.6).

Properties: The following are the some of the measured properties of above described glossy finish industrial wastes based PFRPC sheets:Density: 1.25-1.68 g/cc; Water Absorption: 0.10-1.26%; Thickness Swelling: 0.28-5.5%Tensile Strength: 22.00-40.00 MPa; Tensile Modulus: 2000-6500 MPa

Example 5

Glossy Finish Particulate Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composite (PFRPC) Sheets Using Epoxy Resin: (Using Hybrid Types of Particulates With Alone/Hybrid Fibres)

Raw Materials: Industrial waste particulates (mineral wastes, mining wastes, polymeric wastes, marble waste, polymeric waste ground residues, fly ash, chemical industry gypsum based waste, residues arising from secondary process of zinc, copper, aluminum ,smelters, agricultural green residues, burned residues) were used as reinforced materials. Fibres such as glass fibre, sisal fibre, pine apple fibre, jute fibre, banana fibre, flax, cotton, hemp fibres were used as reinforced materials. Commercial grade bi-directional jute fabric [grams per square metre (GSM) of about 300 GSM] and chopped fabric with size of 2.0-45 mm were used. Polymer used to make glossy finish sheet was commercial grade epoxy/polyester resin. Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (MEKP) and cobalt naphthenate were used as catalyst. Industrial waste particulates used in these glossy finish green hybrid composites have particle size in range of 2.0-75 μm, density of 0.85-1.87 g/cc, porosity of 30-68% and water holding capacity in range of 25 to 110%. Fibers used in these glossy finish green fibre reinforced composites have density in range of 1.25-1.45 g/cc, elongation in range of 0.3-5.0%, tensile strength of 250-650 MPa and Young's modulus in range of 5-35 GPa.

Process: Detailed laboratory experimental programme was conducted where in wide range of industrial waste particulates(mineral wastes, mining wastes, polymeric wastes, marble waste, polymeric waste ground residues, fly ash, chemical industry gypsum based waste, residues arising from secondary process of zinc, copper, aluminum ,smelters, agricultural green residues, burned residues) were processed and 50-80% of hybrid wastes were used (one or in combination with two or more type of waste particulates in one sheet). Similarly, a wide range of fibres (e.g. glass fibre, sisal fibre, pine apple fibre, jute fibre, banana fibre, flax, cotton, hemp fibres) were chemically processed and 5-35% ratio of fibre or chopped fibres/textile with size of 100 μm-5 cm were used alone or hybridization with other fibers (one type or in combination of 2 or more types of chopped fibre in one sheets) and then both (particulates and fibers) were homogeneously mixed with the epoxy based binder system using mechanical stirrer at room temperature. A compression moulding machine was used to fabricate the glossy finish particulate fibres reinforced polymer composite (PFRPC) sheet. Casting and fabrication of the composite sheet was done at varying temperature of 16±2° C.-75±2° C. and at varying casting pressure from 2-95 kg/cm2in single operation mode. The fabricated glossy finish PFRPC sheets were cured in an oven at 60-120° C. for 12-24 hours. Pigment of about 0.2 to 0.5% of epoxy resin/polyester resin is used creates colour in composite sheet. Different thickness (1.35 mm, 3 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 19 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm and 50 mm) of glossy finish FPRPC sheets were fabricated. In lab scale experiment, size of the fabricated FPRPC sheets was 32×22 cm. Up- scaling of fabricated sheets was also done glossy finish FPRPC up to the dimension of 220 cm×120 cm with varying thickness of 1.35 mm, 3 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 19 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm and 50 mm) were fabricated (FIG.6).

Properties: The following are the some of the measured properties of above described glossy finish industrial wastes based PFRPC sheets:Density: 1.25-1.68 g/cc; Water Absorption: 0.10-1.26%; Thickness Swelling: 0.28-5.5%Tensile Strength: 23.50-88.00 MPa; Tensile Modulus: 2500-6250 MPa

Example 6

Glossy Finish Lightweight Particulate Reinforced Polymer Composite (PRPC) Sheets Using Polyurethane Resin

Raw Materials: Industrial waste particulates (mineral wastes, mining wastes, polymeric wastes, marble waste, polymeric waste ground residues, fly ash, chemical industry gypsum based waste, residues arising from secondary process of zinc, copper, aluminum, smelters, agricultural green residues, burned residues) were used as reinforced materials. Polymer used to make glossy finish sheet was commercial grade polyurethane resin. Poly-isocyanate is used as catalyst was used as catalyst. Industrial waste particulates used in these glossy finish green hybrid composites have particle size in range of 2.0-75 μm, density of 0.85-1.87 g/cc, porosity of 30-68% and water holding capacity in range of 25 to 110%.

Process: Detailed laboratory experimental programme was conducted where in wide range of industrial waste particulates(mineral wastes, mining wastes, polymeric wastes, marble waste, polymeric waste ground residues, fly ash, chemical industry gypsum based waste, residues arising from secondary process of zinc, copper, aluminum ,smelters, agricultural green residues, burned residues) were processed and 50-80% of wastes were used alone or hybridization with other waste particulates (one type or in combination with two or more waste particulates in one sheet) and then both (particulates and fibre) were homogeneously mixed with the polyurethane based binder system using mechanical stirrer at room temperature. Poly-isocyanate is used as catalyst in the range of 2-5% was used as catalyst. A compression moulding machine was used to fabricate the glossy finish particulate reinforced polymer composite (PRPC). Casting and fabrication of the composite sheet was done at varying temperature of 16±2° C.-75±2° C. and at varying casting pressure from 2 to 95 kg/cm2in single operation mode. The fabricated glossy finish PRPC sheets were cured in an oven at 60-120° C. for 12-24 hours. Different thickness (1.35 mm, 3 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 19 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm and 50 mm) of glossy finish PRPC sheets were fabricated. In lab scale experiment, size of the fabricated PRPC sheets was 32×22 cm. Up-scaling of fabricated glossy finish sheets was also done glossy finish PRPC up to the dimension of 220 cm×120 cm2with varying thickness of 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 19 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm and 50 mm) were fabricated (FIG.6).

Properties: The following are the some of the measured properties of above described glossy finish industrial wastes based PRPC sheets:Density: 0.22-1.2 g/cc; Water Absorption: 0.3-1.3%; Thickness Swelling: 0.2-5.3 ° %Tensile Strength: 6.5-35 MPa; Tensile Modulus: 150-3500 MPa

Example 7

Glossy Finish Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composite (FRPC) and Particulate-Fibre Reinforced Polymer Composite (PFRPC) Sheets Using Polyurethane Resin

Raw Materials: Industrial waste particulates (mineral wastes, mining wastes, polymeric wastes, marble waste, polymeric waste ground residues, fly ash, chemical industry gypsum based waste, residues arising from secondary process of zinc, copper, aluminum ,smelters, agricultural green residues, burned residues) were used as reinforced materials. Fibres such as glass fibre, sisal fibre, pine apple fibre, jute fibre, banana fibre, flax, cotton, hemp fibres were used as reinforced materials. Commercial grade bi-directional jute fabric [grams per square metre (GSM) of about 300 GSM] and chopped fabric with size of 2.0-45 mm were used. Polymer used to make glossy finish sheet was commercial grade polyurethane resin. Poly-isocyanate was used as catalyst. Industrial waste particulates used in these glossy finish green hybrid composites have particle size in range of 2.0-75 μm, density of 0.85-1.87 g/cc, porosity of 30-68% and water holding capacity in range of 25 to 110%. Fibers used in these glossy finish green fibre reinforced composites have density in range of 1.25-1.45 g/cc, elongation in range of 0.3 - 5.0%, tensile strength of 250 -650 MPa and Young's modulus in range of 5-35 GPa.

Process: Detailed laboratory experimental programme was conducted where in wide range of Industrial waste particulates (mineral wastes, mining wastes, polymeric wastes, marble waste, polymeric waste ground residues, fly ash, chemical industry gypsum based waste, residues arising from secondary process of zinc, copper, aluminum ,smelters, agricultural green residues, burned residues) were processed and 50-80% of hybrid wastes were used (one type or in combination with two or more type of waste particulates in one sheet). Similarly, a wide range of fibres (e.g. glass fibre, sisal fibre, pine apple fibre, jute fibre, banana fibre, flax, cotton, hemp fibres) were chemically processed and 5-35% of fibre or chopped fibres/textile with size of 100 μm-5 cm were used alone or hybridization with other fibers (one type or in combination of two or more types of chopped fibre in one sheet) and then both (particulates and fibers) were homogeneously mixed with the polyurethane resin based binder system using mechanical stirrer at room temperature. Poly- isocyanate in the range of 2-5% was used as catalyst. An injection followed by compression moulding system machine were used to fabricate the glossy finish fibre and particulates-fiber reinforce composite (FRPC and PFRPC). To fabricate FRPC,alone or hybridization with other fibres in different range (2-15%) with polyurethane resin were homogenously mixed. Casting and fabrication of the composite sheet was done at varying temperature of (25±2° C.-75±2° C.) and at varying casting pressure from 22 to 295 kg/cm2in single operation mode. To fabricate PFRPC, alone or hybridization with other fibres in different amount (2-15%) with polyurethane resin were homogenously mixed. Casting and fabrication of the composite sheet was done at varying temperature of (25±2° C.-75±2° C.) and at varying casting pressure from 22 to 295 kg/cm2in single operation mode. The fabricated glossy finish FRPC and PFRPC sheets were cured in an oven at 60-120° C. for 12-24 hours. Different thickness (1.35 mm, 3 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 19 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm and 50 mm) of glossy finish PRPC sheets were fabricated. In lab scale experiment, size of the fabricated PRPC sheets was 32×22 cm2. Up-scaling of glossy finish PRPC sheets was also done glossy finish PRPC up to the dimension of 220 cm×120 cm with varying thickness of 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 19 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm and 50 mm were fabricated (FIG.6).

Properties: The following are the some of the measured properties of above described glossy finish industrial wastes based PRPC and PFRPC sheets:Density: 0.22-1.2 g/cc; Water Absorption: 0.3-1.3%; Thickness Swelling: 0.2-5.3%Tensile Strength: 6.5-35 MPa; Tensile Modulus: 300-3500 MPa

For all above composites as described in examples (1-7), physical, water/moisture resistant and mechanical properties of PRPC, FRPC and FPRPC composite sheets were tested according to ASTM D 638 standard using ultimate tensile testing machine (UTM), LRX Plus, Lloyd, UK.Tensile modulus and strain rate were tested and recorded from the stress-strain data. Microstructure of the fractured surface (tensile fracture) of the hybrid sandwich composites was studied using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) to understand the bonding between fillers and polymers for assessing and understanding the possible application potentials.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION

The various advantages of the present process are given below.1. Low density and glossy finish new class of green composite materials that was not yet developed anywhere in the world2. Development of composite of required and variable specific density for a specific applications3. Development of moisture/water resistance composite of required and variable water absorption for a specific applications4. Development of high performance composite sheet with variable tensile strength, and tensile modulus for versatile applications.5. High value addition to industrial waste particulates as an additives, catalyst, binder, filler and smooth surface finish and decorative agent in making lightweight composites6. Green composites that is free from issues on moisture, water, insects, fungus, termite and corrosion.7. Direct screen printing/laminating of pre-printed articles made on papers, plastics, flex, fabrics over surface of high performance hybrid composite particulates, fibres, particulates-fibres reinforced sheet.8. Multidisciplinary approach for making a unique materials for multidisciplinary application and achieving the techno-economic viability and generate employment together with environmental, social and livelihood improvement.