Green Biobased Polyethylene Terephthalate (bioPET) Composites Reinforced with Different Lengths of Basalt Fiber for Technical Applications

Abstract

This paper presents the modification results and effects of reinforcing green polyethylene terephthalate matrix composites (bioPET ECOZEN® T120) with basalt fibers of two different lengths. Five types of composites with two filling levels of 7.5 and 15 wt% of each fiber were produced by injection molding. Basic mechanical and processing properties, microstructure photographs, and reinforcement effects were analyzed and low- and high-cycle fatigue tests were performed. A significant increase in strength and stiffness was observed (especially for short fibers) proportional to the amount of fibers; longer fibers would also increase the deformation capacity of the composite. Furthermore, longer fibers would reduce relaxation processes (creep) but would not increase the dissipation capacity and mechanical energy. Predictability of fatigue effects enables optimal environmentally friendly materials to be designed.