Mechanical and thermal properties of exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets reinforced polyethylene terephthalate/polypropylene composites

Abstract

Exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) reinforced composites materials based on blend of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and polypropylene (PP) were prepared by melt extrusion followed by injection molding. 10 parts per hundred resin (phr) styrene‐ethylene‐butylene‐styrene‐g‐maleic anhydride was added to the base formulation PET/PP (70/30) as a compatibilizer. PET/PP/GNP composites 0–5 phr were prepared and characterized using field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy analysis. The morphological studies revealed a homogenous dispersion of GNPs in PET/PP blends up to 3 phr loading after which agglomeration occurred. Flexural strength was enhanced by 80% at 3 phr GNPs loading which was the highest value obtained. Interestingly, the highest value for the impact strength was also recorded at 3 phr loading. The thermal stability of the composites were generally improved at all filler loading with the highest at 3 phr. From the overall results, it is clear that the optimum concentration of GNPs in the PET/PP/GNP system in terms of both mechanical and thermal properties was 3 phr loading. Although, the mechanical and thermal properties of the composites were improved, the FTIR analysis did not reveal any chemical interaction between GNP and the polymer matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:2029–2035, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers

Effects of Graphene Nanoplatelets and Reduced Graphene Oxide on Poly(lactic acid) and Plasticized Poly(lactic acid): A Comparative Study

“…A similar conclusion was arrived at by Inuwa et al [27]. Inuwa et al reported that there was no significant change in peak positions of PET/PP/GnP composites compared to pristine PET/PP blend.…”

“…In another study on epoxy/xGnP composite at low filler content of 0.1 wt%, a noticeable increment of 31% in modulus and 40% in fracture toughness was observed [26]. Recently, Inuwa et al [27] prepared xGnP reinforced Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/PP composites by melt blending method. The maximum flexural strength and impact strength of the composites were obtained at 3 phr xGnP loading.…”

Processing and Performance Evaluation of Amine Functionalized Graphene Nanoplatelet Reinforced Epoxy Composites

“…Addition of a small amount of GNP improved electrical [24,25], thermal [26,27], and mechanical properties significantly [28][29][30]. Thermal stability and flammability of polymer composites were also improved [31][32][33].…”

Orientation of Graphene Nanoplatelets in Thermosetting Matrices

“…Compared with nanoclays, GNPs have a similar layered structure but better mechanical properties. Compared to carbon nanotubes (CNTs), GNPs present similar excellent values of modulus, electrical and thermal conductivities, but higher surface area, lower cost and improved processability during composite fabrication [4][5].…”

“…Amorphous Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (aPET) is a thermoplastic polymer with good spinnability together with good mechanical properties, chemical resistance, thermal stability and low melt viscosity [4]. Amorphous PET is widely used in food packaging, film technology, automotive, electrical, beverages containers and textile fibers.…”