Mechanical characterization of melt spun fibers from recycled and virgin PET blends

In this study two Poly (Ethylene Terephthalate) (PET) polymers obtained from mineral water bottles and a virgin fiber grade PET polymer were investigated. In order to improve their properties when reprocessed at high temperatures, recycled polymers were blended with virgin one. Thermal and rheological properties of extruded recycled/virgin (PET-V/R) blends showed a good microstructural stability compared to extruded pure recycled polymers. Mechanical behaviour of melt spun fibers obtained from recycled/virgin blends were investigated in static (tensile) and dynamic (DMA) modes and gave interesting properties. Fatigue failure of fibers was also studied and resulting fracture morphologies were analysed by Scanning Electron microscopy (SEM).