Nanoparticles-effect on the mechanical and electrical properties of pet-based hybrid composites

Abstract

This study aims at demonstrating the effect of adding different weight percentages (in the range of [1-10] wt%) of nanoclays, NC, and carbon nanofibers, CNF, on the mechanical and electrical properties of unreinforced and 20% glass fiber, GF, reinforced poly(ethylene terephthalate), PET, obtained by compression and injection molding technologies. All composites showed a good dispersion of the nanoparticles into the PET matrices. The electrical resistivity is detrimentally affected by the injection molding process and the presence of GF. Both nanoparticles tailored differently the envisaged mechanical properties of the final composites, but an increment upon the initial modulus and reduction on the deformation capabilities was found. Hybrid composites showed an improved behavior with a small increment upon the weight.