Reinforcing performance of recycled PET microfibrils in comparison with liquid crystalline polymer for polypropylene based composite fibers

Abstract

Recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) used as an alternative reinforcing additive for polypropylene (PP) based composite fibers, compared with liquid crystalline polymer (LCP), was investigated. Both PP-LCP and PP-rPET composites were prepared as fiber using hot drawing process. The effects of draw ratios and compatibilizer dosages on morphology in relation to tensile properties of both types of the composite systems were studied. The variation of draw ratios resulted in much change of stress-strain behavior in compatibilized rPET composite system owing to the obvious difference in morphological change of rPET dispersed phase upon drawing. Tensile strength and extensibility of both composites system were significantly improved with compatibilizer loading. The tensile strength of compatibilized rPET-composite fibers was higher than that of the compatibilized LCP system. The obtained results demonstrated the high potential of rPET as a well-defined reinforcing material for PP based composite fiber under the improved interfacial adhesion promoted by compatibilizer. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2012.