Effect of Hydrothermal Ageing on Interlaminar Shear Strength of Recycled PLA-Based Glass Fiber Reinforced Composites

Year 2025, Volume: 11 Issue: 3, 345 - 354, 31.12.2025

Harun Yaka , İbrahim Aslan

Abstract

In the industrialized world, polymer use is increasing daily, but due to raw material depletion and environmental pollution, polymer recycling is gaining importance. Currently, PLA (polylactic acid) is recognized as one of the leading polymers in terms of application frequency. In this study, glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite sheets were produced using recycled PLA produced through additive manufacturing as matrix material. The composite materials were hot-molded and pressed under a force of 100 kN at 215°C and allowed to cool at room temperature. The composite sheets produced were subjected to accelerated aging for various periods. The Short Beam Shear (SBS) tests were then conducted to determine the Interlaminar Shear Strength (ILSS) of the composite materials, and post-test surface morphologies were examined. The results show that aging reduced the ILSS of the sample by up to 54.9%. Furthermore, after 36 h of aging, the ILSS of the sample subjected to the wet SBS test decreased by up to 27.5% compared to the dry sample. In general, it was observed that the aging process and duration affected the ILSS of the sample.

Keywords

Composite , Glass fiber , Hydrothermal Ageing , ILSS , Recycling PLA

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