Reduced graphene oxide reinforced PET/PBT nanocomposites: Compatibilization and characterization

Abstract

This research work focused on the effects of different compatibilizers on the properties of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) reinforced poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) nanocomposites. The samples were prepared via melt compounding and injection molding methods. The Joncryl and glycidyl isooctyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (GPOSS) were used as compatibilizers at different loading levels (0.5%-4%). The structural, thermal, mechanical, morphological, and electrical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. The Fourier transform infrared analysis results revealed that no significant interaction was observed when GPOSS was added. On the other hand, there were more obvious changes in the peaks of the nanocomposite containing Joncryl. The thermal results showed that the compatibilizer addition caused small changes while rGO addition did not considerably affect the thermal stability of blend. The glass transition temperature of the nanocomposite significantly decreased with the addition of GPOSS. The tensile test indicated that compatibilizers improved the mechanical performance of PET/PBT/rGO nanocomposite.

Evaluation of the morphological, rheological, dynamic mechanical and mechanical characteristics of compatibilized graphene oxide/poly(ethylene terephthalate)/poly(butylene terephthalate) nanocomposites

“…[ 28,29 ] In various studies investigating the effects of graphene and other nanofillers on T g , it has been reported that T g can be affected positively [ 8,26 ] or negatively. [ 6,30,31 ] The decrease in T g can be attributed to the weak interfacial interaction between the GO and PET/PBT matrix which increases the mobility of segmental chains. According to Pandis et al [ 32 ] the interfacial interactions are weak in nano‐silver reinforced PMMA nanocomposites and therefore the molecular packing of polymeric chains near the nanoparticles is loose.…”

“…There are various studies in which silica is added to PET/PBT blend and various fillers such as organoclay, GO, graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) are added to PET. [ 3,5,6,8,9 ]…”

“…Compatibilizers must have functional groups that can bond with polymers and reinforcement. [ 6,15 ] Recently, several studies have been carried out using a compatibilizer to improve the properties of nano‐filled polymers. [ 6,9,14,16 ] The studies generally revealed that, improvement of properties of nanocomposites with the incorporation of compatibilizer.…”

“…[ 2,5 ] The potential applications of PET/PBT blends are packaging, fibers, and molded parts. Various studies were focused on PET/PBT blends such as our previous study, [ 6 ] Szostak, [ 1 ] Liu et al [ 7 ] and Wang et al. [ 5 ] On the other hand, adding various micro and nanoscale additives is a recommended method to further improve the properties.…”

Vulcanization kinetics of styrene butadiene rubber reinforced by graphenic particles

“…In recent years, graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) have attracted much attention due to their ability to enhance mechanical, thermal, electrical, and especially gas barrier properties of rubber composites. [ 1,28–40 ] However, the effects of GO and its derivatives on the kinetics of sulfur vulcanization in such systems has not been studied. There is no appropriate affinity between nonpolar elastomers and highly polar GO.…”