Influence of fiber length, fiber orientation, and interfacial adhesion on poly (butylene terephthalate)/polyethylene alloys reinforced with short glass fibers

Abstract Blends of poly(butylene terephthalate) and high density polyethylene at a ratio of 80:20 wt% were reinforced with short glass fibers varying from 10 to 30 wt% to enhance mechanical properties. Considerable fiber damage occurred during injection molding, reducing the number average fiber length from the starting value of 4.5 mm to < 1 mm. This value decreased with increasing fiber content, which is also responsible for lowering the reinforcement efficiency. The variation in mechanical properties has been explained on the basis of fiber concertration. The effect of an ionomer, which was used to compatibilize the blends, on properties of corresponding composites has also been studied.