SUSTAINABLE COMPOSITES: A STATISTICAL ANALYSIS OF WASTE TIRE RUBBER ADDITION IN POLYESTER-FIBERGLASS PLATES FOR ENHANCED MECHANICAL AND DYNAMIC PROPERTIES

Abstract

This investigation explores the potential of recycled waste tire rubber to augment the mechanical and dynamic characteristics of eco-friendly polyester-fiberglass composites fabricated using hand lay-up and degassing in a vacuum chamber to eliminate air bubbles. A factorial design methodology was employed to systematically examine the combined influence of mesh size and rubber content on key material properties. Results indicate that both variables, as well as their interactive effects, significantly impact ultimate tensile strength, strain, and impact resistance. Optimal combinations of mesh size and rubber content were identified to achieve the desired mechanical performance levels. While rubber content primarily affected natural frequency, mesh size exhibited a more pronounced influence on damping factor, suggesting the possibility of optimizing damping through careful parameter selection.This study underscores the critical role of mesh size and rubber content in the development of sustainable composites utilizing recycled materials. The factorial design approach effectively captured the complex interactions between these factors, providing valuable insights for tailoring the properties of eco-friendly composites. The findings contribute to the advancement of sustainable materials engineering by demonstrating the feasibility of producing high-performance composites from waste products.