The effect of chemical treatment methods on the outdoor performance of waste textile fiber-reinforced polymer composites

In this study, weathering effect on untreated textile fiber-reinforced polymer composites and the effect of different chemical treatments for better interfacial adhesion on the outdoor performance were investigated. Degradation of physical, mechanical, and chemical properties of textile fiber-reinforced polymer composites was evaluated through common chemical treatments such as maleated coupling, alkaline treatment, silane treatment, and alkali–silane treatment. Untreated and chemically treated textile fiber-reinforced polymer composites were subjected to water uptake and UV exposure up to 1000 h. Tensile and impact properties were mechanically examined, and the changes on the physical properties due to water uptake, swelling, and color change were investigated. In addition, Fourier transform infrared spectrum analysis was performed in order to evaluate the chemical changes after exposure.