26
G. Martínez-Barrera et al.
Fig. 4 SEM images of non-irradiated and irradiated polyester resin/marble composites
gamma rays at 1, 2.5, 5 and 10 kGy at a dose rate of 3 kGy/h. The results show
improvements on the mechanical properties. The highest mechanical values were
obtained at 2.5 kGy. The tensile strength improves 4.53%, this increased up to certain
gamma irradiation dose and then decreased. The tensile modulus improves 31.32%,
bending strength 22.87%, bending modulus 24.96%. In the case of impact strength,
the highest values were obtained at 10 kGy, which means an improvement of 28.21%.
Gamma irradiation may also remove moisture from the composite, which in turn
contributed to better fiber matrix adhesion. Thus gamma irradiation has influence
on the interfacial bond strength, by producing active sites inside the matrix and the
fibers. This, may be the reason behind the increased mechanical properties of the
composites [35].
6 Conclusions
In this chapter was discussed the importance of the gamma radiation as a novel tool
for recycling of polyester resins, and their applications for the improvement of the
physicochemical properties of composite materials. The results show that such ionizing energy can be viable as solution of the environmental problems caused by waste
polyesters, mainly for those related to the manufacturing of environmental friendly
materials. Nevertheless, more extensive investigations are required in the future, for
to consolidate to the gamma radiation as an innovative and clean technology.
G. Martínez-Barrera et al.
Fig. 4 SEM images of non-irradiated and irradiated polyester resin/marble composites
gamma rays at 1, 2.5, 5 and 10 kGy at a dose rate of 3 kGy/h. The results show
improvements on the mechanical properties. The highest mechanical values were
obtained at 2.5 kGy. The tensile strength improves 4.53%, this increased up to certain
gamma irradiation dose and then decreased. The tensile modulus improves 31.32%,
bending strength 22.87%, bending modulus 24.96%. In the case of impact strength,
the highest values were obtained at 10 kGy, which means an improvement of 28.21%.
Gamma irradiation may also remove moisture from the composite, which in turn
contributed to better fiber matrix adhesion. Thus gamma irradiation has influence
on the interfacial bond strength, by producing active sites inside the matrix and the
fibers. This, may be the reason behind the increased mechanical properties of the
composites [35].
6 Conclusions
In this chapter was discussed the importance of the gamma radiation as a novel tool
for recycling of polyester resins, and their applications for the improvement of the
physicochemical properties of composite materials. The results show that such ionizing energy can be viable as solution of the environmental problems caused by waste
polyesters, mainly for those related to the manufacturing of environmental friendly
materials. Nevertheless, more extensive investigations are required in the future, for
to consolidate to the gamma radiation as an innovative and clean technology.