Influence of the type of layered distribution of rubber recyclate as an additive modifying the mechanical properties of epoxy-glass composites

Purpose: The research aimed to determine the effect of adding rubber recyclate as a sandwich layer of sandwich composites made based on glass mat and epoxy resin EPO 652. Design/methodology/approach: Four types of research materials with a 5% addition of rubber recyclate and with different ways of layer distribution in the composite and one variant without the addition of recyclate as a comparative material were produced for the study. Samples made of the materials in question were subjected to a static tensile test to determine the changes in strength parameters caused by the addition and distribution of the modifier. Findings: Four types of research materials with a 5% addition of rubber recyclate and with different ways of layer distribution in the composite and one variant without the addition of recyclate as a comparative material were produced for the study. Samples made of the materials in question were subjected to a static tensile test to determine the changes in strength parameters caused by the addition and distribution of the modifier. Research limitations/implications: As a result of the conducted research, the fundamental influence of the recyclate additive and its distribution method on the changes in parameters recorded during the static tensile test was clearly found. Practical implications: The analyses carried out enable the selection of the optimal material variant depending on the intended application. Originality/value: The analysis of the preliminary results obtained during the research showed that epoxy-glass composites based on EPO 652 resin with the addition of rubber recyclate in the form of two and three sandwich layers have better strength parameters than the composite with random addition of recyclate to the matrix. The material characterized by the highest plasticity is a variant with two layers of recyclate spacers. At the same time, it can be stated that the highest values of relative deformation ε obtained a composite with one sandwich layer of rubber recyclate.