CHARACTERIZATION OF THERMOPLASTIC POLY(ETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE)-GLASS FIBER COMPOSITES .2.

The aim of this study was to understand how changes in processing cond itions affect the morphology and ultimately mechanical performances of unidirectional poly(ethylene terephthalate)/glass fibre composites. I n a previous paper, we have presented the influences of fibres on the crystallization kinetics and on the matrix morphology of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), considering fusion-crystallization conditions, thermal stability and the addition of nucleating agents in the matrix (talc or sodium benzoate). Based on the results of that crystallizatio n study, various processing conditions were implemented on compression -moulded plates made from PET-glass pultruded ribbons. Short-term (dyn amic and static) shear tests and long-term flexural fatigue tests were performed to characterize the effects of moulding conditions. The mec hanical results were analysed considering both processing conditions a nd microstructural parameters.