EFFECT OF POLYPROPYLENE FIBER ON THE TENSILE PROPERTIES AND MICROSTRUCTURAL BEHAVIOR OF POLYESTER COMPOSITES

Abstract

In this study, polypropylene (PP) was added to polyester material, which is widely used in the industry and can also be utilized as a matrix material, in chopped weight fractions of 0%, 0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75% to improve its mechanical performance. Tensile tests were conducted to determine the optimal additive ratio. The experimental results revealed that the best additive ratio was 0.5% by weight of PP in the polyester material. This ratio formed a good interface with the polyester matrix, thereby enhancing its tensile strength. On the other hand, the 0.75% additive ratio caused significant agglomeration issues in the polyester material, leading to a reduction in its mechanical strength.

Experimental analyses were extended by obtaining microscopic images after the tensile tests, and damage analyses were performed based on these images. The microscopy results showed a detailed examination of the distribution of chopped PP additives within the polyester matrix. It was determined that the most homogeneous structure was achieved in polyester composites with 0.5% by weight PP.

This study demonstrates that low-cost and lightweight additive materials like polypropylene can enhance the performance of thermoplastic matrices such as polyester when used in appropriate ratios. However, it highlights that microstructural issues like agglomeration observed at higher additive ratios can adversely affect material performance.