Experimental Investigation of Impact and Hardness Properties of Cotton Fabric – Garment Waste Polyester Matrix Composite Materials

This study focuses on the characterization and evaluation of the impact and hardness properties of composite materials developed using fabric waste. The primary objective was to explore the potential of fabric waste as a reinforcing material for sustainable composite development, aligning with the waste-to-resource concept. Specimens were fabricated by reinforcing fabric waste in various weight ratios and arranged in different sandwich configurations: CCCC, CGCG, CGGC, GGGG, and GCCG. Among these, the GGGG arrangement demonstrated the best surface finish and uniform mixing structure. Experimental results revealed that the newly formed composite exhibited favorable mechanical properties, with the GGGG configuration achieving the highest impact strength of 78.20 Joules and the greatest hardness value of 101.02. In contrast, the CCCC arrangement recorded the lowest values, with 8.75 Joules for impact strength and 40.03 for hardness. These findings highlight the feasibility of converting fabric waste into high-performance materials suitable for structural applications. With further investigation, this composite material holds promise for use in components such as car hoods and other structural elements, offering both environmental and economic benefits through waste reduction and value-added recycling. Keywords: Cotton rag, Hardness Property, Impact strength, Textile Waste Recycling.