EFFECTS OF GREWIA MOLIS FIBERS ON PHYSICAL/MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF RECYCLED POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE COMPOSITES

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to propose potential structural applications of the GMF/RPET composite materials. Grewia molis fibers (GMF) were prepared and incorporated into recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) matrix to obtain the GMF/RPET composite materials in this study. Furthermore, the effects of different amounts of GMF (10 – 50%) on some of the composite material’s mechanical and physical properties were evaluated. The results showed that the tensile strength (0.22 – 0.095 Pa) and elongation at break (20.2–2.7 %) of the GMF/RPET composite materials decreased as the amount of GMF in the composite was increased. This showed that the increase in GMF decreased. flexibility and deformation of the composite materials under load. Conversely, flexural strength, compression strength, and hardness increased as the amount of GMF in the composites increased. This consistently indicated that rigidity and hardness increased in the GMF/RPET composite materials as the GMF in them increased. Density and water absorption of the GMF/RPET composites also increased with GMF due to the size and hydrophobicity of the fibers. GMF/RPET composite materials exhibit their potential in structural applications where rigidity is desired.

Keyword: Composite Materials; Grewa molis Fiber (GMF); Mechanical Properties; Physical Properties; Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (RPET)