Preparation and Mechanical Characterization of a Polymer-Matrix Composite Reinforced with PET

Abstract

In this study, polymer-matrix composites are fabricated by mixing liquid epoxy resin with 0, 15, 20 and 25 wt % of PET. PET is used as a reinforcement material since it can be recycled and this implies a beneficial environmental impact. After mixing, specimens are dried at room temperature during 24 h and then cured at 150ºC during 0.5, 0.75 and 1 h. Then mechanical tests are performed. Experimental results obtained from the flexion test for 100 % epoxy resin and 15 % PET samples, without curing treatment show values of 30 and 21 MPa, respectively. Flexure strength values for the same samples but after curing treatment are: 56, 90, 32 MPa and 69, 64, 70 MPa, for 0.5, 0.75 and 1 h of treatment, respectively. These data show an important increase in the flexure strength for the sample reinforced with 15 % PET and curing time of 1h. This is most likely due to the behavior of PET’s powders at this temperature and time. They can partially melt improving the adhesion to the polymeric matrix. For a curing time of 0.75h, this property decreases, due to the high porosity developed in the composite and the poor adhesion between polymeric matrix and reinforced material.