Mechanical and structural properties of composites made from recycled and virgin polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and metal chip or mesh wire

Abstract

Although polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is a champion of recycling, intense research is being done to find new solutions for using recycled plastic. This study aims to characterize the mechanical andstructural properties (SEM- scanning electron microscopy) of products made from recycled metal swarf or mesh wire with recycled plastic (PET) in comparison with virgin plastic. Samples manufactured from virgin and recycled PET are made by pressing and high temperature. The loss of mechanical properties ofproducts made from recycled plastic is a major drawback that influences their use. SEM images confirm that the dispersion and distribution of the PET phase is not very uniform. By addition of virgin plastic in various compositions with recycled plastic, processing parameters and mechanical properties can be optimized.