Preparation and properties ofin situ polymerized poly(ethylene terephthalate)/fumed silica nanocomposites

Abstract

We have prepared poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nanocomposites filled with two different types of fumed silicas, hydrophilic (FS) and hydrophobic (MFS) silicas of 7-nm diameter, by in situ polymerization. We then investigated the morphological changes, rheological properties, crystallization behavior, and mechanical properties of the PET nanocomposites. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images indicate that the dispersibility of the fumed silica was improved effectively by in situ polymerization; in particular, MFS had better dispersibility than FS on the non-polar PET polymer. The crystallization behavior of the nanocomposites revealed a peculiar tendency: all the fillers acted as retarding agents for the crystallization of the PET nanocomposites. The incorporation of fumed silicas increased the intrinsic viscosities (IV) of the PET matrix, and the strong particleparticle interactions of the filler led to an increased melt viscosity. Additionally, the mechanical properties, toughness, and modulus of the nanocomposites all increased, even at low filler content.

Novel preparation method for enhancing nanoparticle dispersion and barrier properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) and poly(m‐xylylene adipamide)

“…Samples in which MMT has been incorporated exhibit a much lower average value of 0.62 min. These results indicate that the presence of clay acts as a heterogeneous nucleating agent stimulating the crystallization to occur sooner 72–74. There are no significant differences in t 1/2 among nanocomposites with different clay contents.…”

“…These results indicate that the presence of clay acts as a heterogeneous nucleating agent stimulating the crystallization to occur sooner. [72][73][74] There are no significant differences in t 1/2 among nanocomposites with different clay contents. It appears that when well dispersed structures in PET nanocomposites are formed, this leads to similar crystallization behaviors and thermal characteristics.…”

Effect of A-zeolite on the crystallization behavior ofIn-situ polymerized poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nanocomposites

“…In-situ polymerization method is advantageous because it produces a homogeneous dispersion of A-zeolite particles in the polymer matrix. 15 Dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) and Ethylene glycol (EG) (+ 99%) purchased from Sigma-Aldrich were used without further purification. A-zeolites were kindly supplied from Korea Institute of Ceramic Eng.…”

Mechanical properties and creep behavior of rotationally moldable linear low density polyethylene-fumed silica nanocomposites

“…The mechanical properties such as impact strength, tensile strength, and elongation at break of the PA 6–silica nanocomposites showed a tendency to increase, with the addition of the nanosilica up to 5% and declined thereafter . The incorporation of FS in PET has increased the mechanical properties like toughness and tangent modulus at low filler content . It also increased the intrinsic viscosity of the blends.…”