Characterization of composite material with post-consumer Polyethylene Terephthalate and sawdust

Abstract

The objective of this research is to observe the mechanical characteristics of traction by measuring the static resistance of the composite material of post-consumption polyethylene terephthalate and sawdust. One of the plastics that is disposed of in greater volume in sanitary landfills and garbage dumps in cities is polyethylene terephthalate; likewise, sawdust is also considered a waste for sawmills. This composite material is constituted as an alternative to wood, taking advantage of the advantageous properties that both polyethylene terephthalate and sawdust possess, for future applications and contribute to environmental sustainability through recycling. The samples consisted of specimens of virgin polymers, recycled materials and recycled compositematerials, these of different proportions of concentration of the fibers of sawdust (w/w %) of (10 and 20 %). The results observed in the tensile tests show higher values in the composite material specimens than in the polymeric only specimens. In the final evaluation, a notable increase in Young's Modulus is inferred with the increase in sawdust fibers in the polymeric matrix, and it allows us to assume that its excellent hardness, but also, a loss of toughness and its probable decrease is visualized. inits ductility property.