Processing and Characterisation of PE/PET Microfibrillar Composites

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.