Abstract
In this article, graphene oxide nanosheets grafted with low molecular weight poly(ethylene terephthalate) were in situ synthesized via carboxylation, acyl chlorination and grafting modification in order to improve the compatibility between GO and PET phases and enhance the thermal stability and crystallization properties of PET. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) characterization results demonstrated that LMPET chains have been successfully grafted onto the surface of GO. To further investigate the influence of modified GO on properties of PET, modified PET was prepared by incorporating the GL-g-LMPET nanofillers into the PET matrix using the melt-blending method. Due to the similar polarity and strong interaction between LMPET and PET molecules, GL-g-LMPET nanofillers were homogeneously dispersed in PET matrix. Thermal properties and crystallization properties of obtained nanocomposites were systematically characterized using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA). Results show that GL-g-LMPET nanofillers could improve the thermal stability of PET, e.g., increase up to 16.6 °C in temperature at the maximum rate of weight loss. In addition, the GL-g-LMPET also acts as an efficient nucleating agent for PET, exhibiting (1) higher crystallization temperatures; (2) higher degrees of crystallinity; and (3) faster rates of crystallization.
Highlights
As a kind of thermoplastic and semicrystalline polymer, Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)is widely used in fields of fibers [1], packaging films [2] and engineering plastics [3] due to its chemical stability, resistance and barrier properties [4]
The surface of graphene oxide (GO) was covered with LMPET chains, which could be well dispersed in its ideal solvent (Phenol/C2 H2 Cl4 ) [30]
The dispersion of GO transferred from H2 O to Phenol/C2 H2 Cl4 after chemical modification
Summary
As a kind of thermoplastic and semicrystalline polymer, Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Is widely used in fields of fibers [1], packaging films [2] and engineering plastics [3] due to its chemical stability, resistance and barrier properties [4]. The insufficient thermal stability, slow crystallization and nucleation rate of PET limit its further application in specific fields [5]. The benzene ring in the main chain of PET, while imparting rigidity, causes slow crystallization during cooling, which will adversely affect the spinning process of high-speed fibers [6]. To solve the above-mentioned shortages, chemical modification and physical modification were applied to improve the performance of PET. Some drawbacks exist in organic modification, such as uncontrollable side reactions, harsh reaction conditions and complicated operation procedures.
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