Abstract
The glass transition behavior of poly(trimethylene 2,6-naphthalate) (PTN)/nanoclay composites was investigated using differential scanning calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis. The incorporation of two different types of nanoclays in the PTN matrix resulted in intercalation of the PTN chains in the narrow space of the clay intergalleries (d001(clay)) and constrained the polymer chains in the vicinity of the nanoclay layers. Despite being in constrained regions, the glass transition temperature of the PTN/nanoclay composite was decreased as compared to neat PTN. Moreover, the characteristic length of the polymer chains (ξa) at Tg was evaluated by employing the cooperatively rearranging region theory. The glass transition of the PTN chains depended on the correlation between ξa and the interlayer gallery distance (d001(clay)). The decrease in Tg of PTN/nanoclay composites is ascribed to the development of local free volume owing to the confining effect of the chain intercalation.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: 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.