Crystallization processes in poly(ethylene terephthalate) as modified by polymer additives and fiber reinforcement

Conference · Fri Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1993

OSTI ID:141894

Reinsch, V E; Rebenfeld, L ^[1]

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1. Princeton Univ., NJ (United States)

The effect of fiber reinforcement on the crystallization of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry. The objective of the study was to determine how the effects of fiber reinforcement on PET crystallization are modified by the presence of polymer additives. The interaction of fiber effects and nucleating and plasticizing agents was studied. Unidirectional fiber composites were prepared using aramid and glass fibers in PET. The rate of crystallization of PET, as reflected by crystallization half-time, it seem to depend on reinforcing fiber type, crystallization temperature, and presence of nucleant or plasticizer. However, degree of crytallinity of PET is largely unaffected by the presence of additives and reinforcing fibers. Crystallization kinetics are analyzed using a series Avrami model for PET volume crystallized as a function of time. The using a series Arami model for PET volume crystallized as a function of time. The crystalline morphology of fiber reinforced PET was studied using polarized light microscopy. Results concerning nucleation density, chain mobility, and growth morphology are used in explaining differences seen in crystallization kinetics in fiber reinforced systems.

• OSTI ID: 141894
• Report Number(s): CONF-930304--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE
40 CHEMISTRY
ADDITIVES
CHEMICAL REACTION KINETICS
CRYSTALLIZATION
FIBERS
POLYESTERS
REINFORCED PLASTICS