Evaluation of the Mechanical and Tribological Properties of an Epoxy-Based Composite Filled with Zinc Metallurgical Waste

Zinc metallurgy is one of the large-scale processes that produces tons of waste every year, which in turn generate environmental pollution. In sustainable industry the circular economy is one of the most important issues, which means that as much waste as possible should be reused. Thus, there is a need to find a proper way to use zinc metallurgical waste in some other application. In this paper, an evaluation of the mechanical and tribological properties of an epoxy-based composite filled with zinc metallurgical wastes such as zinc dust, zinc ash and sifted zinc ash has been performed. Results of the research indicated that tensile and impact strength are reduced in all filled compositions. The smallest decrease in strength was observed in the cases of zinc dust and sifted zinc ash in amounts not greater than 5 wt. %. However, wear volume can be reduced by ca. 80% when the epoxy matrix is filled by at least 5 wt. % of zinc ash or sifted zinc ash. So, due to the decrease in mechanical strength and high reduction in wear volume, the most promising among the investigated fillers is sifted zinc ash introduced into the epoxy matrix in an amount up to 5 wt. %. This composition is characterized by a relatively good compromise between the reduction in mechanical strength and reduction in wear volume among investigated cases. Moreover, the reuse of zinc ash as a filler has a positive effect on the environment because of its management of waste stored mainly in heaps, which in turn falls within the scope of the circular economy.