Interface adjustment between poly(ethylene terephthalate) and graphene oxide in order to enhance mechanical and thermal properties of nanocomposites

Abstract

There is great interest in the use of graphene and derivatives in the production of polymer nanocomposites as it provides improvements in the properties of the materials to which they are associated. Such improvements depend heavily on filler dispersion and the interaction between the nanomaterials and the matrix. This work aimed to study the compatibility of graphene oxide (GO) with a poly(ethylene terephthalate) matrix. For this, graphite was modified using Hummers method, using reaction times of 3 and 6 h. The obtained GO was functionalized with amine, amide, and magnetite groups (FGO). The effects of the oxidation degree, functionalization and concentration of the nanofillers on the dispersion and consequently on the properties of the polymer nanocomposites were evaluated. The nanocomposites were synthesized by the solid–solid deposition method followed by the melt mixing technique. It was observed that lower concentrations of nanofiller associated with the lower degree of oxidation and functionalization improved the interaction of the nanofillers with the matrix, which resulted in better mechanical properties under tensile stresses for strain at break, maximum stress, Young's modulus and toughness. It was also observed that the glass transition and crystallization of nanocomposites increased due to a nucleating effect of the nanofillers.

PET/Graphene Nanocomposite Fibers Obtained by Dry-Jet Wet-Spinning for Conductive Textiles

“…Beyond the initial interest, the research [25][26][27][28] on nanocomposites of PET with graphene and derivatives seems to have been reactivated in recent years [29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36]. Considering the importance of the filler/matrix interface in achieving nanocomposites with improved or new properties, graphene oxide has been the preferred graphene derivative, as, in principle, it is able to establish hydrogen bonding interactions with PET.…”