Abstract
The effect of blending two low molecular weight diluents (LMWD), dimethyl terephthalate (DMT) and dimethyl isophthalate (DMI), on the microstructure, free volume, and the barrier properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) was investigated. Incorporation of the additives at loadings up to 3 wt % led to a substantial improvement in the barrier properties of PET to oxygen, carbon dioxide, and helium. Although the additives have similar structures, DMI showed enhanced barrier improvement at similar loadings compared to PET/DMT samples. Positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy as well as density measurements indicated that there was a reduction in the fractional free volume of polymer upon incorporation of the LMWDs. Dynamic mechanical analysis disclosed that there was a reduction in the activation energy for mechanical relaxation due to a decrease in chain motion of PET in the presence of DMT or DMI. There was a reduction in permeability upon increase of LMWDs that was primarily due to the reduction ...
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
