Effect of Recycled Graphite as an Antistatic Agent on the Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical Properties of Poly(Trimethylene Terephthalate)

Abstract

AbstractRecycling graphite waste can bring economic offers and environmental protection. This study investigates the use of recycled graphite (RG) from aerospace sector components as an antistatic agent. Mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT)/RG composites are investigated to develop a composite with suitable characteristics for antistatic packaging applications. First, the RG is purified by thermal treatment to eliminate any impurities and residual oils, and the purified recycled graphite (PRG) is characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then, the PRG is used as an antistatic filler and added in different concentrations in the PTT matrix by melt processing using an extruder. The compatibilizer agent maleic anhydride grafted PTT (PTT‐g‐MA) is added to the system to improve filler interaction and distribution into the matrix. Thus, the addition of different contents of PRG (1, 3, 5, 10, and 20 wt%) with and without compatibilizer agent (2:1, PRG:PTT‐g‐MA) in the PTT matrix is investigated by thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties. The addition of 10 wt% of PRG in the PTT decreases eight decades in the electrical resistivity compared to neat PTT, being suitable for application as antistatic packaging.