The influence of using waste PET on the mechanical and rheological properties of wood flour filled PP composites

In this research the influence of using waste Poly Ethylene Terephthalate on the mechanical and rheological properties of wood flour filled PP composites has been studied. PET contents varied from 10-33 wt%. Mechanical properties were characterized by tensile testing، while their fracture resistance was determined by impact measurements. The melt rheological behavior of the composites was also studied by a rheometer in the oscillatory mode and dynamic rheological properties such as complex viscosity، storage modulus، loss modulus and damping factor were evaluated at190°C. The results showed that stiffness increases by adding waste Poly Ethylene Terephthalate. PET when added in low concentrations، caused tensile strength to be lower than that of PP composites filled with pure wood flour. Increasing the concentration of waste PET، led to composites with higher amount of tensile strength. The samples containing waste PET had higher complex viscosity and storage modulus than composite without PET. Likewise، it was observed that the damping factor in the PP/Wood composite decreased by incorporating waste PET to the compositions.