Effect of Electron Radiation and Triallyl Isocyanurate on the Structure, Thermal, and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Resin Filled with Dusty Fiber Fraction Derived from Recycled Wind Turbine Blades

This paper presents the investigation of the effect of electron radiation or the combined action of this radiation and triallyl isocyanurate (TAIC) on the structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of epoxy resin filled with a fraction of dust fibers (DFs) from recycled wind turbine blades. The resin containing 20 wt% of DF was irradiated with doses of 40, 80, 120, and 160 kGy. The results showed that electron radiation had only a slight effect on the properties of the studied composite, mainly on its glass transition temperature. More significant changes were observed with the combined action of radiation and TAIC. The main effect that occurred after the TAIC addition was the plasticization of the polymer matrix. With its participation, the glass transition temperature, thermal stability, and the hardness of the material and its flexural modulus were significantly reduced. The degree of change in these properties was regulated by the radiation dose. Furthermore, no significant changes in the composite structure were observed after radiation treatment, while the introduction of TAIC into the polymer matrix caused the formation of gas cells, probably due to the partial decomposition of TAIC.