Processing of hybrid wood plastic composite reinforced with short PET fibers

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) fibers (virgin, waste, and mixed) were incorporated in the composite poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)–wood. Hybrid composite panels were prepared by pressure molding. Toluene-2,4-diisocyanate (TDI) and (3-mercaptopropyl)trimethoxysilane (MPTMS) were used as cross-linking bonding agents for modification of wood fibers. Influence of cross-linking bonding agents, structure, and composition of PET fibers was examined by studying thermomechanical properties as well as moisture absorption. Moisture absorption was lower for composites with bonding agents. Mechanical testing revealed that the addition of PET fibers drastically enhances properties of the composites. Covalent and hydrogen bonds formed with the addition of bonding agents have also improved mechanical properties compared to the untreated composites.