Effect of silane treated fly ash on physico-mechanical,morphological, and thermal properties of recycled poly(vinyl chloride) composites

The silane treatment on properties of fly ash (FA) and development of its composite using recycled poly(vinyl chloride) (r-PVC) material retrieve from waste wires and cable insulation are investigated in this work. The use of (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane was employed as a coupling agent with some other essential additives. The composites sheet was prepared by means of the melt mixing process and go along with the compression molding process. The superior properties on compatibility between silane-modified FA (FA(Si)) and r-PVC were successfully studied using rheological, thermomechanical, morphological, and water absorption analysis. Primary analysis of r-PVC and FA was employed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis. The thermal stability of composites was stable up to 187°C. In addition, significant enhancement on tensile strength as well as young's modulus of composite as compared to untreated r-PVC/FA composites. Morphological properties of silane treated FA based composites presented the good distribution and excellent uniformity with higher wettability of FA particles within r-PVC matrix. The water absorption test showed decrease in water absorption with increase silane treatment concentration FA in the r-PVC matrix. It was remarkable to note that silane treated FA can be prepared as a composite using r-PVC matrix with further modified properties.