PET Composites Research Articles

Structural Characteristics and Dielectric Properties of Deposited Silver Nanoparticles with Polypyrrole on PET Films for Dielectric Devices

Herein, (PPy-Ag)/PET composites, consisting of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and polypyrrole (PPy) coated on PET, were fabricated by the polymerization process and then the films were characterized by SEM and XRD techniques. The addition of PPy-Ag on the dielectric properties of PET were determined. The XRD proved the successful synthesis of the (PPy-Ag)/PET samples. The SEM results demonstrate the effect of Ag modified the characteristics of the composite, which confirmed the interaction of (PPy-Ag)/PET. The dielectric properties of the films in frequency of 50 Hz to 5.6 MHz were measured. The density energy was enhanced from 9.1 × 10−5 for PET to 5480 × 10−5 J m−3 for (PPy-Ag)/PET. Moreover, the relaxation time τr decreased from 1.7 × 10−5 for PET to 2.8 × 109 sec for (PPy-Ag)/PET. The obtained data confirm the incorporation of PPy-Ag by PET. This research has led to the development of novel physico-chemical properties in flexible polymeric nanocomposite films, which could be used in high-performance energy storage devices.

A macromolecular intumescent flame retardant with thermal cross-linking groups for poly(ethylene terephthalate) with enhanced fire safety

To improve the flame retardancy of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) without loss of its mechanical properties, a macromolecular intumescent flame retardant (SPPO) with thermal-responsive groups was developed in an effective way. As 8 wt% of SPPO was melt-blended into PET, the prepared PET/SPPO composite achieved a V-0 rating during UL-94 tests without melt-dripping, and exhibited substantial reduction in the total heat release (THR), peak heat release rate (PHRR), total smoke production (TSP) and average carbon monoxide yield (av-COY) by 44.8 %, 39.0 %, 63.3 % and 45.8 %, respectively, in comparison with pure PET. The improved flame retardancy of this composite was considered to be ascribed to the formation of intumescent residues of SPPO. The generated physical barrier increased the melt viscosity by triggering the cross-linking reactions of the C≡N groups in SPPO, effectively inhibiting the melt-dripping of PET during burning. The tensile strength was also well-retained for PET composites when different contents of SPPO were added into PET, demonstrating the good compatibility between SPPO and PET matrix, which can meet the requirements of industrial application.

Investigation of mechanical properties and thermal properties on sugarcane fiber composite material reinforced with polyethylene terephthalate matrix material for sustainable applications

In this modern age composite materials are become the primary material for engineering production because composite materials have several specific properties such as high strength-to-weight ratio, low cost, ease of fabrication, tensile strength, compressive strength, Impact strength, high resistance to thermal which does not realize in pure material or non-composite material. Fabricating composite materials involves producing something useful from waste materials. The experimental investigation involves the fabrication of sugarcane fiber-reinforced PET composites through a controlled manufacturing process. Because of its vast application, every Mechanical Engineer should have the knowledge about the fabricate and test the composite material. In this research, two waste materials are used - bagasse and waste plastic to fabricate a composite. The main purpose of the composite material is for heat insulation that is applicable for industrial roofing. The main purpose of the composite material is for heat insulation that is applicable for industrial roofing applications and manufacturing for sustainable components. The mechanical results after compression and shear tests are 4.57 and 0.37 MPa respectively. The maximum thermal test after an exposed surface temperature test is 54 °C

Antibacterial Nanocellulose-TiO2/Polyester Fabric for the Recyclable Photocatalytic Degradation of Dyes.

In this paper, we report an antibacterial, recyclable nanocellulose-titanium dioxide/polyester nonwoven fabric (NC-TiO2/PET) composite for the highly efficient photocatalytic degradation of dyes. The NC-TiO2 was loaded onto the surface of flexible PET nonwoven fabric through a simple swelling and dipping method. The NC-TiO2 in the particle size range of ~10 nm were uniformly attached to the surface of the PET fibers. The NC-TiO2/PET composite has the ability to achieve the stable photocatalytic degradation of dyes and presents antibacterial properties. The degradation rates to methylene blue (MB) and acid red (AR) of the NC-TiO2/PET composite reached 90.02% and 91.14%, respectively, and the inhibition rate of Escherichia coli was >95%. After several rounds of cyclic testing, the photocatalytic performance, antibacterial performance, and mechanical stability of the NC-TiO2/PET composite remained robust.

Silicon‐linked polyethylene glycol‐polyethylene terephthalate (PEG‐PET) nanostructures loaded with Eu3+‐complexes for hybrid luminescent PET materials

AbstractIn this work, innovative hybrid poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) materials with strong luminescence were successfully synthesized by doping PET with silicon‐linked poly(ethylene glycol)‐PET copolymer nanostructures either with (Si‐PEG‐PET) or with (ETP@Si‐PEG‐PET) luminescent Eu3+‐complexes. The chemical properties and nanostructures of the hybrid materials were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. PET composites ranging from 0.25 to 4 wt% silicon additive were prepared by the melt blending method. The crystal properties, mechanical properties, and fluorescence properties of the composites were systematically studied by differential scanning calorimetry, x‐ray diffractometry, tensile testing, and fluorescence spectrometry. When the addition of Si‐PEG‐PET or ETP@Si‐PEG‐PET was 0.75 wt%, the relative crystallinity and maximum tensile strength increase substantially. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity of hybrid luminescent PET materials is the strongest at 0.75 wt% loading. ETP@Si‐PEG‐PET not only endows PET polyester with stronger fluorescence properties and mechanical properties but also acts as an effective nucleation additive for PET.Highlights Silicon‐linked poly(ethylene glycol)‐poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PEG‐PET) nanostructures generate hybrid luminescent PET materials. ETP@Si‐PEG‐PET improves the crystallization rate and crystallinity of PET. The composite with 0.75% addition showed the best fluorescence performance. Three‐dimensional‐grid structure of ETP@Si‐PEG‐PET enhances the mechanical property of PET.

Construction of catalyst-free, smoke suppression flame retardant PET fiber via bifunctional metal-organic framework

This work prepared a catalyst-free fire retardant PET fiber by developing a Co-based metal-organic framework (Co-MOF), which synthesized in a facile one-step hydrothermal method. With merely addition of 0.4wt% Co-MOF into PET, the LOI value of PET composites reached to 28.0%, the peak heat release rate (pHRR) and total smoking production (TSP) were decreased by 36.97% and 20.75%, respectively. Compared with traditional antimony trioxide catalyst, Co-MOF could shorten the esterification and polycondensation time by 16% and 12%. The char formation, which increased by 44.6% compared with that of neat PET from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), played the key role in imparting PET with superior fire safety. The research on the flame retardant mechanism shows that Co-MOF plays a role in both the gas phase and the condensed phase. Besides, the mechanical and spinnability of PET-0.4Co-MOF was improved. After heat-setting the as-spun fiber by 3.5 times of draft, its breaking strength and the breaking elongation reached 3.52 cN/dtex and 29.70%, respectively.

Aging resistance under short time ultraviolet (UV) radiations of polymer wood composites entirely based on wastes

The paper studies the UV exposure influence on the mechanical properties, crystalline, interface and morphology of the optimised (previously water immersed) composites with wastes of rubber, PET, HDPE, wood and inorganic filler (CaO and fly ash). The mechanical strength, photo-degradation, crystalline structure and surface morphologies changes of the composites are evaluated after their exposure under simulated UV light and compared to unexposed ones. Experimental results showed UV exposure lead to the increase of Young moduli, compressive strength and tensile for high content PET samples. Significant mechanical strength even after water immersion and UV exposure were recorded for the rubber–PET–HDPE–wood–fly ash with a compression strength of about 70 MPa and for the 40 wt% PET composites with Young moduli of about 15 MPa. Therefore short term UV treatment could be used to enhance de composite’interface strength aiming at their outdoor applications.

A Hydrotalcite-Based PET Composites with Enhanced Properties for Liquid Milk Packaging Applications

In the present work, the two-phase mixture (HTLc) of hydrotalcite and its oxide were used to improve the barrier properties, UV resistance and antimicrobial activity of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) for their application in liquid milk packaging. Firstly, CaZnAl-CO3-LDHs with a two-dimensional layered structure were synthesized by hydrothermal method. CaZnAl-CO3-LDHs precursors were characterized by XRD, TEM, ICP and dynamic light scattering. A series of PET/HTLc composite films were then prepared, characterized by XRD, FTIR and SEM, and a possible mechanism of the composite films with hydrotalcite was proposed. Barrier properties to water vapor and oxygen have been studied in PET nanocomposites, as well as their antibacterial efficacy by the colony technique and their mechanical properties after exposure to UV irradiation for 24 h. By the presence of 1.5 wt% HTLc in the PET composite film, the oxygen transmission rate (OTR) was reduced by 95.27%, the water vapor transmission rate was reduced by 72.58% and the inhibition against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli was 83.19% and 52.75%. Moreover, a simulation of the migration process in dairy products was used to prove the relative safety. This research first proposes a safe technique for fabricating hydrotalcite-based polymer composites with a high gas barrier, UV resistance and effective antibacterial activity.

Preparation and property analysis of kaolin/melamine cyanurate/aluminum diethylphosphinate/recycled PET composites

AbstractIn the plastic industry, recycling waste plastic was an effective way to save energy and reduce emissions, therefore, using recycled PET (R‐PET) to produce flame retardant PET could not only improved the recycling value of discarded PET, but also conducive to achieving carbon neutrality. The effects of melamine cyanurate (MCA), aluminum diethylphosphinate (ADP) and kaolin (Kaol) on flame retardant, combustion behavior, thermal degradation behaviors and mechanical properties of R‐PET composites were investigated by methods of limited oxygen index (LOI) measurement, vertical burning test, cone calorimeter test, thermogravimetry analysis (TG), SEM analysis and mechanical properties test. The results showed that MCA, ADP and Kaol could improve the flame retardant of R‐PET, and ADP had the best effect on improved the flame retardant of R‐PET. MCA and ADP had synergistic flame retardant in R‐PET, but MCA had a negative effect on the mechanical properties and thermal decomposition temperature of ADP/R‐PET composite. Kaol could not only improve the flame retardant and thermal decomposition temperature of MCA/ADP/R‐PET composites, but also improved their tensile and flexural strength. The flame retardant of 4‐Kaol/5‐MCA/15‐ADP/R‐PET composite reached UL94 1.0 mm V0 with LOI was 36.5%, and the tensile and flexural strength were increased by 26.1% and 16.7% compared with 5‐MCA/15‐ADP/R‐PET, respectively.

Efficient Depolymerization of Glass Fiber Reinforced PET Composites.

The transition to an eco-friendly circular materials system for garbage collected after use from end-users is a serious matter of concern for current society. One important tool in this challenge to achieve a truly circular economy is the chemical recycling of polymers. It has previously been demonstrated that chemical recycling is a feasible alternative to reach carbon circularity, which promotes the maximization of carbon recovery through all possible means. Among the advantages of chemical recycling, one must highlight its ability to selectively attack one or several target functionalities inside a complex mixed stream of polymers to obtain pure monomers, which can then be used to prepare virgin-like polymers as a final product. In previous works from our group, we used a microwave-heated potassium hydroxide in methanol (KMH) system to instantaneously depolymerize PET bottles. The KMH system was also effective for polycarbonate (PC), and intimately mixed PET/PC blends. In the present study, glass fiber reinforced (GFR) PET composites were submitted to depolymerization using the KMH system, and it was verified that more strict conditions were required for full depolymerization of GFR pellets than for pure PET pellets. Evidence of the reorganization of PET chains leading to increased crystallinity were obtained through DSC and WAXD. Surface adhesion of PET and crystallization onto glass fibers led to a different crystalline phase that seems to be more protected against the depolymerization solution, thus increasing the time required for full depolymerization when compared to unreinforced PET. An activation energy of 123 kJ/mol was estimated, in the same range of pristine PET pellets and PET bottles. The optimization of depolymerization conditions permitted 100% depolymerization within 5 min of reaction at 120 °C using 30 mL of KMH solution per g of composite. The green chemistry metrics reflect that our system is more efficient than most of the depolymerization systems found in the literature. The optimal depolymerization conditions here reported for GFR PET composites represent another step towards a total recycling system that includes not only pure polymers but also composites, commonly present in daily life.

Epoxy chain extender grafted pyrophyllite/poly(ethylene terephthalate) composites with enhanced crystallinity and mechanical properties

AbstractThe surface‐grafting modification of nano clay has become increasingly important for improving the practical application of clays. In this study, an epoxy chain extender ADR‐4468 was used to modify the surface of pyrophyllite (Prl), and the effect of ADR‐4468‐modified pyrophyllite (A‐Prl) on the properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and PET/poly(ethylene glycol‐co‐1,3/1,4‐cyclohexanedimethanol terephthalate) (PETG) composites was investigated. The modified composites were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and TG, which proved that the A‐Prl was successfully synthesized, and the addition of ADR‐4468 did not change the crystal structure of pyrophyllite. The grafted ADR‐4468 improved the agglomeration of Prl, and some A‐Prl reached nano‐scale dispersion in PET and PET/PETG composites. The rheological properties, crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of PET and PET/PETG nanocomposites were systematically investigated. The results showed that A‐Prl was an effective nucleating agent for PET, which significantly improved the crystallization properties of PET composites. The A‐Prl also improved the comprehensive mechanical properties of PET and PET/PETG nanocomposites. In particular, the impact toughness of A‐Prl/PET/PETG composite with 1.5 wt % A‐Prl was increased by 120% compared with that of pure PET. The functional additive is expected to be used in the preparation of high‐performance and recyclable PET composites.

Effect of epoxy concentrations on thermo-mechanical properties of kenaf fiber – recycled poly (ethylene terephthalate) composites

The effect of different concentrations of epoxy surface coating treatment on the thermal and mechanical properties of kenaf fiber reinforced recycled poly (ethylene terephthalate) (RPET) composites was studied. Silane-treated kenaf fibers (SKF) were epoxy-coated with optimized coating concentrations (in the ratios of 1:4, 1:5, and 1:6 epoxy to acetone solutions) to improve the thermal degradation/decomposition resistance and interfacial bonding with RPET matrix. The different epoxy coated-silane treated kenaf fibers 1:4 ESKF, 1:5 ESKF, and 1:6 ESKF were compounded with RPET at an optimized temperature of 240°C, and their constituents’ composites KF/RPET, 1:4 ESKF/RPET, 1:5 ESKF/RPET, and 1:6 ESKF/RPET were subjected to thermal, mechanical and microstructural investigation. The obtained results showed some remarkable effects of epoxy concentrations on the chemical and surface structures of the treated fibers. Thermal properties of both ESKF and ESKF/RPET composites were more stable and improved with different concentrations of epoxy treatment compared to the untreated counterparts. 1:4 ESKF and 1:5 ESKF were the most thermally stable with onset degradation and DTG decomposition temperatures of 331.6°C and 381.7°C, and 324.0°C and 388.7°C respectively. Mechanical properties of the epoxy-coated composites were higher and further improved with epoxy concentrations and fiber loadings compared to uncoated composites. Hence, the epoxy concentration of 1:4 gave the maximum tensile and impact properties, and at 10 wt. % fiber loading within the lower loading regions, followed by 1:5 with outstanding flexural properties. The coated-treated composites showed strong fiber/matrix bonding with no evidence of fiber decomposition compared to the untreated composites with poor fiber/matrix interaction. The current research findings are original and valid for improving the thermal degradation resistance and stability of natural fibers, and the mechanical properties of natural fiber reinforced engineering thermoplastic composites. The epoxy coated – silane-treated textile kenaf fibers reinforced with recycled PET composites have the potentials to be utilized in high-temperature industrial and engineering applications.

Synergistic effect of organic-Zn(H2PO2)2 and lithium containing polyhedral oligomeric phenyl silse-squioxane on flame-retardant, thermal and mechanical properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Abstract A novel synergy flame retardant system of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/organic-Zn(H2PO2)2/lithium containing polyhedral oligoheptyl silse-squioxane (Li-Ph-POSS) composites was prepared by the melt-blending method to improve the flame retardancy of PET. The synergistic effect of organic-Zn(H2PO2)2 and Li-Ph-POSS on the flame retardancy, thermal, and mechanical properties of the PET composites was investigated by the limiting oxygen index, vertical burning test, cone calorimeter, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimeter, tensile tester, and dynamic mechanical analysis, respectively. The results show that the synergistic flame retardant effect between organic-Zn(H2PO2)2 and Li-Ph-POSS improves both the flame retardancy and the crystallization of PET. Moreover, the Li-Ph-POSS has a positive effect on the mechanical property of PET. This work provides a promising strategy for mitigating the fire hazard of PET using this synergy flame retardant system.

Amorphous Poly(ethylene terephthalate) Composites with High-Aspect Ratio Aluminium Nano Platelets.

Previously, we reported that amorphous poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) filled with irregular nodular aluminium (Al) particles gave simultaneous increases in tensile modulus, tensile strength, and impact resistance, which is unusual for materials. Here, we investigated the effect of the particle shape and size by using nano-platelet Al. The Al nano-platelets had a thickness higher than graphenes and clays, but lower than mica and talc, and due to their large widths, they had high aspect ratios. Due to the ductility of Al, the platelets maintained the high aspect ratio and did not snap during injection moulding. In addition to avoiding the usual drop in tensile strength and impact, the composites with nano Al platelets gave an unusually high flexural modulus (8 GPa), which was almost double that attained practically with talc, mica, and graphene. This was because of the high tendency of the Al nano platelets to become oriented during moulding. The Al–PET composite would be a more cost-and-performance effective combination for making conductive composites. The Al is a cheaper material than graphene, surface treatment for adhesion (to PET) is unnecessary, and dispersion issues, such as exfoliation and de-aggregation, are not a problem.

Long-term open-hole tensile creep properties of self-reinforced PET composites measured by digital image correlation

This study utilizes digital image correlation (DIC) method to study the open-hole tensile creep behavior of hole drilled self-reinforced polyethylene terephthalate (srPET) composites and compare it with results obtained by conventional mechanical tensile systems (MTS). The short-term tensile creep behavior obtained by DIC and MTS at elevated temperatures was analyzed using Findley's viscoelastic models. For srPET composites without a hole drilled, the short-term creep results obtained by MTS and DIC are similar. However, for hole-drilled srPET composites, DIC determined the strain field including the maximum strain (DIC-M) at the edge of the hole, while MTS only obtained the average strain, which does not represent the maximum strain caused by the strain concentration, resulting in a lower strain estimate. The long-term creep behavior of srPET composites was described successfully by an Arrhenius-type time–temperature superposition principle (TTSP). The DIC creep master curve increased exponentially with time, while the MTS curve remained linear. The master curve obtained by MTS underestimates the creep strain and fails to predict the failure time and thus only applicable to samples without holes, but not to hole-drilled samples or materials with local stress/strain concentrations. An onset point of 107.2 s was determined from the DIC creep master curve and was regarded as the failure time. The creep strain increased with hole size increased and lead to the failure time decreased. An MR value of 70% may serve as an indication of creep failure for the lifetime prediction of srPET composites.ϖ.

A facile approach to realize simultaneously chain extension and crystallization promotion of poly (ethylene terephthalate)

A synergic strategy combining chemical nucleation with chain extension was employed for Poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET). In this study, sodium linoleate (Na-LL), as chemical nucleating agent, was selected to promote the nucleation process, and an ultraviolet-induced chain extension approach was simultaneously employed to maintain the molecular weight of PET with the aid of glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) / trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA). The rheological properties, crystallization behaviors and mechanical properties of PET composites were systematically explored. The rheological results showed that GMA/TMPTA blend is effective for PET chain extension reaction and the addition of Na-LL would not badly offset the chain extension effect of GMA/TMPTA. The non-isothermal and isothermal crystallization studies demonstrated that Na-LL is an effective organic nucleating agent for PET. Low loading of Na-LL can considerably improve the crystallization properties of PET. At last, the combination of GMA/TMPTA/Na-LL could also maintain the excellent comprehensive mechanical properties of PET.

PENGARUH VARIASI KOMPOSISI SELULOSA JERAMI PADI DAN LIMBAH BOTOL PLASTIK POLIETILEN TEREFTALAT (PET) TERHADAP KARAKTERISTIK BIODEGRADABLE PLASTIC

Research on the effect of variations in the composition of rice straw cellulose on the characteristics of biodegradable PET-Cellulose plastic. The purpose of this study is to explain the effect of the composition of rice straw cellulose and PET on the characteristics of biodegradable plastic made from composite of rice straw cellulose and PET. This research was conducted in several stages, the isolation of cellulose from rice straw, recycling PET from mineral water bottle, mixing cellulose and PET, then testing the characteristics, the DTA-TGA thermal characteristic test, and degradation test with the soil burial test method. . In the thermal characteristics test there was a decrease in weight in samples with composition PET: cellulose 90:10; 60:40; and 50:50 each with 0.719; 0.710; 0.581 mg in the temperature range 38.30-68.32 ° C, 40.72-68.17 ° C, 41.45-80.40 ° C, while in the samples 80:20 and 70:30 there was no decrease in weight the temperature. In the sample 90:10; 80:20; 70:30; 60:40 and 50; 50 there is a decrease in weight each of 4,045; 3,909; 3,464; 2,760 and 3,205 mg at temperatures 328, 16-430.65 ° C, 362.05-442.15 ° C, 349.96-439.82 ° C, 388.29-446.70 ° C, and 325.39-420.79 ° C. The degradation test using soil burial test method obtained percent weight loss in samples with PET composition: 70:30 cellulose which was 38.24%.

Study of Fly Ash Plastic (FAPET) as alternative lightweight aggregate in concrete

Plastic waste is identified as non-biodegradable material that is harmful to the environment. PET is one of the most well-known types of plastic used for food packaging that usually plastic waste be found in huge amounts. This paper takes advantage of PET plastic waste from the water drinking cup to be blended with fly ash to produce a lightweight aggregate called FAPET. All the properties of FAPET were significantly better than pumice as the control sample during the experiment such as water absorption, compressive strength and abrasion value of 0.5%, 17.4 MPa and 28.55% respectively. FAPET was derived from the double blending process of PET with fly ash with the composition of PET and fly ash was 1:3. The experiment conducted was partial until the full replacement of pumice as a lightweight aggregate with FAPET to establish waste-based lightweight concrete. Modulus of elasticity and compressive strength resulted from 100% replacement using FAPET were 31,706 MPa and 23,64 MPa that equalled to normal concrete strength. The utilization of FAPET is concluded to be successful as an alternative lightweight aggregate for structural use of lightweight concrete.

Pin hole tensile and fatigue properties of self-reinforced PET composites

This study investigates the effects of the width-to-hole diameter ratio (W/D) and the edge distance-to-hole diameter ratio (E/D) of a specimen on the bearing properties of self-reinforced recycled poly (ethylene terephthalate) (srrPET) composites with (srrPET-FR) and without flame retardant under a tensile and tensile-tensile fatigue load. The bearing strength of srrPET composites is largely dependent on the W/D ratios, whereas E/D ratios did not show any significant influence. The srrPET composites exhibited higher fatigue cycles compared with the srrPET-FR composites at the same (stress amplitude) σa. Higher W/D ratios resulted in a higher fatigue strength for srrPETs. The compact constitutive equation used to predict the curves between σa and number of cycles to failure (Nf), well agree with the experimental results.

Enhancement of thermal and mechanical properties of few layer boron nitride reinforced PET composite

Polyethylene terephthalate-based nanocomposites with hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets (BNNs) were prepared by a solution casting method with varying concentrations of BNNs from 0.5 wt% to 4 wt%. Melting and crystallization behaviour of the composites were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry, which suggests that with increasing presence of nanosheets, the crystallinity increases and hence the polyethylene terephthalate chain mobility gets restricted, which leads to suppression of crystal growth. The nanoindentation measurements on the composite films exhibit improved mechanical properties. Enhancement of 33.3% of elastic modulus and 32.4% of hardness was observed with 2 wt% infusion of boron nitride nanosheets in polyethylene terephthalate.