Implications of MWCNT reinforcement on the morphology, mechanical and thermal properties of poly-(trimethylene terephthalate)/ polyethylene blend nanocomposites

Abstract

ABSTRACT The current research offers clear evidence of the reinforcement effect of multi-walled CNTs in the PTT/PE blended system. The combination of PE with PTT decreases the brittleness of PTT and, besides which increases the impact and tensile strength of the blend nanocomposites. By adding 1 wt % MWCNT to the 90PTT/10PE blend system, the impact strength increases to 254% than that of neat PTT. A noticeable fortification of the thermal stability compared to the neat PTT matrix is an added advantage. Among different blend nanocomposites, those with 2 wt. % MWCNT content was proved to be the most favorable concentration showing higher tensile strength, Young’s modulus, and elongation at break. The 90PTT/10PE/2CNT nanocomposites showed a percentage increment of 251% in elongation at break and 129% increment in tensile strength when compared to the 90PTT/10PE blend system. This work provides an efficient alternative way to improve the toughness of an immiscible poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/polyethylene blend system using nanocarbon materials.