Process induced shape distortions of self-reinforced poly(ethylene terephthalate) composites

This paper investigates shape distortion and tensile properties of hot consolidated Self-reinforced poly(ethylene terephthalate) (SrPET) by evaluating the influence from stretching before consolidation and annealing after consolidation. Spring-in angle and warpage is measured from V-shaped samples that are hot consolidated from a woven fabric that is stretched to different degrees during forming. Following the same process conditions, tensile stiffness is measured from plane laminates. This study confirms that stretching the SrPET-material during forming enhances the tensile modulus but introduces shape distortions with negative spring-in and increases warpage. However also non-stretched SrPET components experience spring-back in the same level as glass- or carbon reinforced PET composite, which is unexpected. The tensile modulus is reduced and spring-in angle further influenced when the SrPET-samples are exposed to higher temperature after consolidation. This study shows how easily the characteristics of a component made from SrPET-material are influenced by stresses developed during material forming and further by release of these stresses when exposed to higher temperatures as in post processes or even in the use phase of the component.