Preparation and Mechanical Characterization of a Polymer-Matrix Composite Reinforced with PET
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Preparation and Mechanical Characterization of a Polymer-Matrix Composite Reinforced with PET J. Elena Salazar–Nieto1, Alejandro Altamirano–Torres1, Francisco Sandoval–Pérez1 and Enrique Rocha–Rangel2 1 Departamento de Materiales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Av. San Pablo No. 180, Col. Reynosa-Tamaulipas, México, D. F., 02200. 2 Universidad Politécnica de Victoria, Avenida Nuevas Tecnologías 5902, Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Tamaulipas, Ciudad Victoria, Tamaulipas, 87137, México
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. INTRODUCTION Numerous studies exist on the properties of composite materials based on particles and synthetic fibers with thermo rigid resins, materials that are widely spread in the construction, transport and naval industries [1]. Recent investigations indicate that in the field of composite materials with polymeric matrix, research is orientated towards the substitution of the synthetic fibers as reinforcement materials. This is due to the disadvantages associated with the utilization of synthetic fibers (glass fiber, graze, etc.) i.e., high costs and the difficulty for recycling [2-5]. On the other hand, the worldwide objective to protect the environment has been reflected in an effort for avoiding pollution and the excessive exploitation of natural resources, which demands among other aspects the development of new materials, with better properties and harmless to the environment and in addition of low cost [6]. As response to this need, in the present work appears the creation of a material that covers these aspects, his environmental contribution will be take advantage of materials as degree bottle PET, which is considered to be a waste. With the results obtained from the mechanical characterization of this material, and the later comparison with existing similar materials, there will be decided the applications that this one could have.
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