Processing and Characterisation of PE/PET Microfibrillar Composites

• Main Author: Mahmud, Mohd Fairuz
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS 2011
• Subjects: ZA Information resources
• Online Access: http://utpedia.utp.edu.my/10131/1/2011%20Bachelor%20-%20Processing%20And%20Characterisation%20Of%20PE-Pet%20Microfibrillar%20Composites.pdf; http://utpedia.utp.edu.my/10131/
• Institution: Universiti Teknologi Petronas

This project will present the feasibility study of processing and characterisation of PE/PET microfibrillar composites (MFCs). MFCs are created by processing two homopolymers with different melting temperature (Tm) of at least 40°C [1]. These new composites were reported to improve mechanical properties and had potential for wide range of applications with suitable processing under controlled condition [2]. In this study, linear density polyethylene (LDPE) was used as a matrix and recycled poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was employed as reinforcement. They were blended together using twin-screw extruder at temperature above the melting temperature (Tm) for PET. The extrudate blends were drawn at temperature above the glass transition temperature (T g) of PET. The drawn blends were then injection molded to produce samples for tensile and flexural tests. The morphology and molecular orientation of MFCs were observed using scanning electron microscope (SEM). ASTM D638 and D790 standards were used to determine the tensile and flexural properties. The morphological structure of the MFCs showed fibrils formation after drawing process. Compared to pure LDPE, tensile strength, flexural strength and modulus of the MFCs were improved by 50%, 60% and 30%, respectively.