Thermoplastic pultrusion of recycled PET matrix composites

Abstract

Abstract. Recently, many industry sectors are investigating safe ways to replace conventional materials by adopting thermoplastic matrix composites. Indeed, the adoption of this class of polymeric matrices enables other post-process operations, such as forming and welding. Moreover, the diffusion and the improvement of thermoplastic matrix composites can promote the usage of recycled polymers, which would dramatically improve the environmental sustainability of the production. The aim of this work is the assessment of the thermoplastic pultrusion of preimpregnated tapes made of glass fibers and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) matrix. A thermoplastic pultrusion line consisting of a heating-forming die and a cooling die has been used to manufacture a rectangular cross-section profile having dimensions of 25 mm in width and 4 mm in thickness. The internal temperature has been measured during the process by using a wire thermocouple. The composite produced has been assessed by interlaminar shear strength testing, and its cross-section has been analyzed by optical microscopy to assess the continuity of the matrix, the internal structure, and the distribution of the fibrous reinforcement.