Fabrication of High Performance PET/TLCP Fibers through the Synergistic Interfacial Enhancement and Compatibilization of Functional 1D and 2D Carbon Nanomaterials

Abstract

The maleic anhydride functionalized graphene oxide (GO‐MA) is fabricated by an efficient and solvent‐free Diels–Alder reaction. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET)/thermotropic liquid crystal polyester (TLCP), PET/TLCP/GO‐MA, PET/TLCP/aminated multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs‐NH2), and PET/TLCP/GO‐MA/MWCNTs‐NH2 composite fibers are systematically melt‐spun. The structure and compatibilizing effects of GO‐MA and MWCNTs‐NH2 on the mechanical, thermal, and crystallization properties of the composite fibers are indicated. The non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) data show that TLCP and nanofillers can change the crystalline morphology of PET. The mechanical properties of the fibers rise with increasing TLCP content. The tensile strength 929 MPa and modulus 17.5 GPa of the fibers with 7 wt% TLCP and 0.25 wt% nanofillers (0.1 wt% GO‐MA and 0.15 wt% MWCNTs‐NH2) are significantly higher than those with 7 wt% TLCP (tensile strength 622 MPa and modulus 16.1 GPa) and even higher than those with 15% TLCP (tensile strength 836 MPa, and modulus 18.0 GPa). When the GO‐MA and MWCNTs‐NH2 co‐exist, the anti‐dripping phenomenon is improved. Therefore, the TLCP, GO, and MWCNTs synergistically strengthens the mechanical properties. This is promising for the industrial fabrication of high‐strength fibers.

Preparation of Polyethylene Terephthalate/Polyketone/Graphene Oxide Composite Fibers: Implications for High-Performance Polymer Composites Modified with Carbon Nanomaterials

“…The manufacturer sources and specifications of GO and PET were consistent with our previous report. 7 PK (M530A, M n = 19,500 g/mol, Hyosung, Seoul, Korea) was a random copolymer composed of ethyl ketone and propyl ketone. The melt flow index of the M530A was 60 g/10 min at 240 °C/2.16 kg, and the density and melting temperature were 1.22 g/cm 3 and 220 °C, respectively.…”

“…The equipment and conditions for X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), micro-Raman mapping spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and derivative thermogravimetric analysis (DTGA), and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and the mechanical properties of the fibers were consistent with our previous report. 7…”

“…3−5 The significant improvement of the thermal and mechanical properties of polymer composites is closely related to the good interfacial interaction and interfacial structure between the nanofiller and the polymer matrix. 6,7 GO-based polymer nanocomposites have been considered to be overwhelmingly promising materials for engineering plastic applications. 1,8 Lim et al prepared PK composites containing only an extremely small amount of polyamide-6-grafted GO (0.01 wt %), which showed significantly improved mechanical properties compared to those of PK.…”

“…In our previous work, functionalized carbon nanomaterials increased the compatibility between PET and thermotropic liquid crystal polyester. 7 The structure and compatibilization effects of functionalized carbon nanomaterials on the mechanical, thermal, and crystallization properties of the composite fibers were examined.…”

Facial fabrication of few-layer functionalized graphene with sole functional group through Diels–Alder reaction by ball milling

“…Furthermore, GO begins to gradually lose its oxygen-containing groups when the temperature is above approximately 130 °C, which is lower than most polymer processing temperatures. 20 Therefore, it is very important to develop an environmentally friendly and efficient method for fabricating functionalized graphene.…”