Performance and Recyclability of PET and PLA Nanocomposites for Automotive Engineering

Zoubeida Taha; Andrea Adamne Major

doi:10.30939/ijastech..1761475

Performance and Recyclability of PET and PLA Nanocomposites for Automotive Engineering

Abstract

olyethylene terephthalate (PET), a petroleum-based polyester and polylactic acid (PLA), a biodegradable polyester, were investigated in the form of nanocomposites reinforced with montmorillonite (MMT), with a particular focus on their behaviour after reprocessing. These materials, commonly used in the automotive applications, have shown significant differences in structural and mechanical performance. Melt flow index (MFI), shrinkage, crystallinity (CRF) and impact strength were analyzed according to international standards (ISO 1133 for MFR, ISO 11357-7 for CRF and ISO 179-1 for Izod impact) to evaluate the effect of mechanical recycling. The results showed that PET experienced a notable reduction in viscosity (~13–16%) with reprocessing, while PLA exhibited more stable viscosity (~3–5%). The addition of MMT affected both materials differently: it significantly reduced the impact strength of PET but had a milder effect on PLA. Shrinkage increased with recycling, particularly for PLA. Crystallinity was enhanced by the presence of MMT, especially in PLA. The findings demonstrate that PLA has better stability upon recycling compared to PET, and that MMT acts as a nucleating agent, altering crystallinity and mechanical properties. Reprocessing led to a decrease in mechanical performance in both nanocomposites, with PET more adversely affected. This work provides a direct comparison of PET and PLA nanocomposites subjected to identical reprocessing conditions, offering new insight into their recyclability and structural stability. Overall, these findings highlight the importance of balancing processability, recyclability and durability when selecting nanocomposites for applications where mechanical stability is critical, such as the automotive industry.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Automotive Engineering (Other)

Journal Section

Research Article

Authors

Zoubeida Taha ^*
0000-0001-8668-4500
Hungary

Andrea Adamne Major
0009-0009-8546-718X
Hungary

Publication Date

December 17, 2025

Submission Date

August 9, 2025

Acceptance Date

December 10, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2025 Volume: 9 Number: 1st Future of Vehicles Conf.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.30939/ijastech..1761475

IZ

https://izlik.org/JA79TS88BS

Cite

RIS / Bibtex

APA

Taha, Z., & Adamne Major, A. (2025). Performance and Recyclability of PET and PLA Nanocomposites for Automotive Engineering. International Journal of Automotive Science And Technology, 9(1st Future of Vehicles Conf.), 90-95. https://doi.org/10.30939/ijastech..1761475

AMA

1.Taha Z, Adamne Major A. Performance and Recyclability of PET and PLA Nanocomposites for Automotive Engineering. IJASTECH. 2025;9(1st Future of Vehicles Conf.):90-95. doi:10.30939/ijastech.1761475

Chicago

Taha, Zoubeida, and Andrea Adamne Major. 2025. “Performance and Recyclability of PET and PLA Nanocomposites for Automotive Engineering”. International Journal of Automotive Science And Technology 9 (1st Future of Vehicles Conf.): 90-95. https://doi.org/10.30939/ijastech. 1761475.

EndNote

Taha Z, Adamne Major A (December 1, 2025) Performance and Recyclability of PET and PLA Nanocomposites for Automotive Engineering. International Journal of Automotive Science And Technology 9 1st Future of Vehicles Conf. 90–95.

IEEE

[1]Z. Taha and A. Adamne Major, “Performance and Recyclability of PET and PLA Nanocomposites for Automotive Engineering”, IJASTECH, vol. 9, no. 1st Future of Vehicles Conf., pp. 90–95, Dec. 2025, doi: 10.30939/ijastech..1761475.

ISNAD

Taha, Zoubeida - Adamne Major, Andrea. “Performance and Recyclability of PET and PLA Nanocomposites for Automotive Engineering”. International Journal of Automotive Science And Technology 9/1st Future of Vehicles Conf. (December 1, 2025): 90-95. https://doi.org/10.30939/ijastech. 1761475.

JAMA

1.Taha Z, Adamne Major A. Performance and Recyclability of PET and PLA Nanocomposites for Automotive Engineering. IJASTECH. 2025;9:90–95.

MLA

Taha, Zoubeida, and Andrea Adamne Major. “Performance and Recyclability of PET and PLA Nanocomposites for Automotive Engineering”. International Journal of Automotive Science And Technology, vol. 9, no. 1st Future of Vehicles Conf., Dec. 2025, pp. 90-95, doi:10.30939/ijastech. 1761475.

Vancouver

1.Zoubeida Taha, Andrea Adamne Major. Performance and Recyclability of PET and PLA Nanocomposites for Automotive Engineering. IJASTECH. 2025 Dec. 1;9(1st Future of Vehicles Conf.):90-5. doi:10.30939/ijastech. 1761475

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