Polyethylene Terephthalate Matrix Research Articles

Synthesis of Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) with High Crystallization and Mechanical Properties via Functionalized Graphene Oxide as Nucleation Agent.

In this work, a novel functionalized graphene oxide nucleating agent (GITP) was successfully synthesized using a silane coupling agent (IPTES), and polymer block (ITP) to efficiently improve the crystallization and mechanical performance of PET. To comprehensively investigate the effect of functionalized GO on PET properties, PET/GITP nanocomposites were prepared by introducing GITP into the PET matrix using the melt blending method. The results indicate that PET/GITP exhibits better thermal stability and crystallization properties compared with pure PET, increasing the melting temperature from 244.1 °C to 257.1 °C as well as reducing its crystallization half-time from 595 s to 201 s. Moreover, the crystallization temperature of PET/GITP nanocomposites was increased from 185.1 °C to 207.5 °C and the tensile strength was increased from 50.69 MPa to 66.8 MPa. This study provides an effective strategy for functionalized GO as a nucleating agent with which to improve the crystalline and mechanical properties of PET polyester.

Impact of the functionalized clay nanofillers on the properties of the recycled polyethylene terephthalate nanocomposites

AbstractPolymer nanocomposites, such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET)‐clay systems, leverage intricate interactions between components to fine‐tune their thermal, mechanical, and rheological properties. In our study, we functionalized montmorillonite clay nanofillers (CloisiteNa+) to fabricate recycled PET‐clay nanocomposites. The nanofillers underwent a three‐step functionalization process, involving the treatment with (3‐Aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTES), the grafting of initiating coatings (multifunctional peroxide initiator, [MPI]) onto clay/APTES, and the subsequent fabrication of grafted brushes using poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) or poly(butyl acrylate) (PBA). The functionalization process and the properties of the modified clay were successfully confirmed through Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The fabrication of nanocomposites, incorporating both clay and functionalized clay, influenced the thermal behavior of the composites, whereas the nanofillers had no discernible impact on the flow temperature. The PET and nanocomposites exhibited liquid viscoelastic behavior, with the exception of PET with clay, which displayed shear‐thinning and “rubber‐like” behavior. Rheological curves and x‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis indicated improved dispersion and compatibility for clay/APTES and clay functionalized with PBA‐grafted brushes within the PET matrix. In some instances, the utilization of functionalized clay resulted in enhanced compatibility and customized properties in PET‐organoclay nanocomposites compared with conventional fillers. These findings bear implications for a broad spectrum of applications involving PET‐organoclay nanocomposites.

Molecular dynamics simulation and experimental study on the mechanical properties of PET nanocomposites filled with CaCO3, SiO2, and POE-g-GMA

Abstract This work investigated the mechanical properties of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) reinforced with calcium carbonate (CaCO3) and silica (SiO2) nanoparticles, respectively, and the improvement in toughness of the ternary system with the incorporation of graft-modified ethylene-1-octene copolymer (POE-g-GMA). PET nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending extrusion and injection molding. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was employed to construct models for binary system filled with nanoparticles and ternary system with the additional inclusion of POE-g-GMA elastomers. The results of mechanical property tests and MD simulation revealed that the binary system exhibited increased elastic modulus and tensile strength, mainly attributed to the effective reinforcement of rigid nanoparticles and the surface adsorption between nanoparticles and the PET matrix enhanced the interfacial interactions. CaCO3 indicated a more pronounced reinforcing effect, possibly due to the higher crystallinity of its composites. The incorporation of POE-g-GMA resulted in a significant improvement in impact strength and the elongation at break of PET nanocomposites. This enhancement in toughness is attributed to the elastomer’s ability to absorb a substantial amount of impact energy, while the elastic modulus is higher than that of pure PET.

Thermostable ZnO/Ag@SiO2 nanohybrid material for extraordinary antibacterial activity polyester fibers

AbstractMelt blending is considered a significant method to develop antibacterial textile materials. However, it is still challenging to the homogeneous dispersion and efficient antibacterial activity of inorganic nanoparticles in polymer fibers. In this work, ZnO/Ag@SiO2 inorganic nanohybrid antibacterial agents were prepared by the direct precipitation method. The prepared antibacterial material had efficient antibacterial and thermal stability properties. Specifically, the decomposition temperature of the ZnO/Ag@SiO2 was higher than 400°C, which was appropriate for melting polymers at high temperatures. Here, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) was used as a fiber matrix, and PET/ZnO/Ag@SiO2 fibers were prepared by melt spinning technology. The results showed that the antibacterial material was well dispersed in the PET matrix, and the crystallization was promoted during the cooling process. The modified PET fibers presented better antibacterial properties against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), with a maximum antibacterial rate of 99.9%. Additionally, the modified PET fibers provide superior laundering durability, with an antibacterial rate of 95.7% for S. aureus and 94.8% for E. coli after 50 washes. This work offers a novel approach to preparing thermotolerant and efficient antibacterial agents and antibacterial‐modified PET fibers.Highlights ZnO/Ag@SiO2 nanohybrid antibacterial agents were prepared. High temperature resistant and highly antibacterial material. The particles dispersed uniformly in PET matrix. Excellent antibacterial and laundering properties of the fiber

Hosting Li0 in an activated lithiophilic polymer matrix with electrodeposition regulating spaces for stable lithium metal anodes

The cyclability of rechargeable high-energy-density lithium (Li) metal batteries (LMBs) is seriously limited by the Li dendrite induced volume variation and safety hazards. Herein, a hierarchical host composed of a robust polyethylene terephthalate (PET) matrix as the primary backbone and carbon nanotube (CNT) sponges as the pore fillers is fabricated as an advanced model structure for highly reversible Li storage. Compared with the conventional three-dimensional hosts in which the Li deposition confinement is not controlled in the void pores, extremely smooth Li deposition can be accommodated in the CNT sponges of the confined spaces, leading to a step towards better Li protection. Furthermore, a niobium (Nb)-based coating is revealed as a rational process to not only enable uniform solid electrolyte interphase with fast Li+ migration ability of the PET-CNT-Nb host, but also to activate the abundant polar lithiophilic segments (CO or -O-) of the PET matrix for guided Li nucleation. Based on the multifunctional PET-CNT-Nb host, stable cycling of LMBs with a practical capacity of ∼2.5 mAh cm−2 can be achieved over 400 cycles, demonstrating the rationality of the investigated host structuration rule for great Li protection ability.

Interface and Friction Properties of Copper-embedded Polyethylene Terephthalate Filament

The aim of this study is to analyze the interfacial and the frictional properties of copper (Cu) reinforced polyethylene terephthalate (PET) filament. This Cu-Embedded PET filament will be used as an information transmitter. This filament was prepared by a co-extrusion process. Mechanical properties of these filaments have been quantified by tensile and pull-out analyses. It is shown that the mechanical properties of composite filament were improved by adding the copper filament (from 0.82 to 1.2 GPa). The results of the pull-out test revealed some adhesion between the copper and the PET despite the existence of a slippage of the copper filament in the PET matrix. Regarding the variation of the maximum pull-out load, according to the embedded length, a linearity relationship is observed. Therefore, it can be assumed that the interfacial shear stress is constant over the embedded length. Filaments surfaces have been analyzed after friction with Scanning Electron Microscope. Experimental results show a satisfying wear resistance of filaments, even if friction is able to induce some structural modifications of the polymer surface.

Glass fiber network reinforced polyethylene terephthalate composites for support insulators

Epoxy resin has long been used as an insulating material in high-voltage apparatus, although its poor recyclability greatly limits its future application. Fiber network reinforced polyethylene terephthalate (PET), as a low-cost and recyclable material, has great potential to substitute epoxy resin as a high-voltage insulation material. The enhanced fiber network combined with the PET matrix form a semi-‘steel-reinforced concrete’ structure, and can collaboratively improve the tensile strength by more than 50% and the dielectric strength by 25.4%. Furthermore, the breakdown path as well as the fiber distribution are clearly rebuilt in 3D coordinates based on a 3D x-ray microscope for the first time. Experimental and computational evidence show that the fiber network lengthens the breakdown path and improves the dielectric strength. This work provides new perspectives for subsequent research on the electrical properties of bone-enhanced dielectric polymer composite.

Effects of magnesium borate on the mechanical performance, thermal and chemical degradation of polyethylene terephthalate packaging material

This study is on polyethylene terephthalate (PET) compounded with magnesium borate (MB) (Mg2B2O5) powders between (0.2–3.2% by weight) which were synthesized via sol-gel technique at laboratory-scale. The MB/PET composites were characterized in terms of chemical, thermal degradation, and mechanical properties. Their phases and chemical structures were identified by X-ray Diffraction and Fourier Transform Infrared analyses. The MB added into PET matrix significantly reduced PET degrading to acetaldehyde, carboxylic acids and diethylene glycol. However, while at 0.2 wt.% MB isophthalic acid (IPA) decreased and at higher MB concentrations there were higher IPA levels. The added MB increased the composites intrinsic viscosity (IV) compared to the pure PET. The highest IV (0.701 dL/g) was at the 0.2 wt.% MB/PET composite. Both Tg and Tm temperatures trended down up to 3.2 wt.% MB. Compared to pure PET, glass transition temperature (Tg) decreased to 80.4°C (at 3.2 wt.% MB) from 81°C, whereas melt temperature (Tm) decreased to 248.5°C (at 3.2 wt.% MB) from 249.4°C. The MB/PET composite tensile strength increased by 11.31% to a 60 MPa maximum at 0.2 wt.% MB compared to neat PET (53.9 MPa). However, at 0.4 wt. % and higher MB the dispersion was insufficient causing the MB powders to aggregate in the PET matrix, resulting in reduced tensile strength.

Moisture uptake and effects of hygrothermal exposure on closed-cell semicrystalline polyethylene terephthalate foam

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) foam is receiving increasing interest in recent years for its use in structural applications. This is favoured by its balance between mechanical properties and cost, as well as recyclability and wide availability of recycled material. Knowledge on its ageing behaviour upon hygrothermal exposure is needed to ensure the fulfilment of the required service life and foster market uptake. A six-month ageing programme under 40ºC and 80% RH and a one-year water immersion ageing programme were undertaken, in order to understand the moisture uptake mechanism, and observe in-situ as well as irreversible degradation caused by moisture. These conditions were selected in order to ensure being below the Tg of PET, and so in the same structural state as in the use phase. No degradation of the PET foam was found after the completion of both trials. It was demonstrated that the hygrothermal degradation of the polymeric foams is not diffusion-controlled. Moisture uptake by the PET matrix was analogous to that previously reported in films. Liquid water passage into the cell cavities was progressive and much slower, but did not produce any significant additional effect on the mechanical behaviour of the PET foam.

Interface and interphase of nanocomposites tailored by covalent grafting of carbon nanotube: Hierarchical multiscale modeling

Covalent grafting between carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and a polymer matrix is the most efficient way to tailor the intrinsically weak interface in nanocomposites. To understand the grafted structure-to-improved property relationship of nanocomposites, however, the degradation of grafted CNT and the properties of surrounding interphase zone should be accounted for in constitutive model. In this study, the reciprocity of the interface, interphase, and elasticity of CNTs depending on the covalent grafting between the CNT and a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) matrix were studied through molecular dynamics simulations and a mean-field micromechanical interface/interphase model. The replacement stiffness method was used to determine the effect of the tailored interface on the overall elasticity of a nanocomposite in micromechanics. The elasticity of the CNTs and the nanocomposites was determined from molecular mechanics and molecular dynamics simulations, respectively. Despite the degraded elasticity of the nanotubes, clear improvements in the transverse modulus and shear moduli were observed in the covalently grafted nanocomposites. The elasticity of the interphase was determined in terms of the number of covalent grafting and the interfacial compliance using a two-step inverse micromechanical analysis. Regardless of the number of covalent grafting addressed, the elastic moduli of the interphase were always larger than those of a neat PET matrix. Furthermore, the accuracy of the proposed multiscale micromechanical interface/interphase model at various volume fractions of CNTs was validated.

Sisal fiber reinforced polyethylene terephthalate composites; Fabrication, characterization and possible application

The use of thermoplastics (TPs) for natural fiber composites is restricted to commodity ones like polypropylene and polyethylene However, using engineered TPs such as polyethylene terephthalate (PET) will benefit from its technical and economic advantages. The research aims to characterize injection molded PET composites reinforced with sisal fibers treated differently. Polyethylene terephthalate composites containing 40 wt.% of untreated, alkaline-treated, and alkali/acetylation treated sisal fibers were prepared using compounding and injection molding processes and then characterized. It has been found that production of sisal-PET composites by compounding and injection molding has been shown to be possible. Thermal damage to sisal fiber was noticed during composite production. Based on the thermogravimetric analysis analysis, a net weight loss (excluding water loss) of 11.1%–14.0% was observed at the operating temperatures of the two processes. The addition of 40 wt.% of sisal to the PET matrix improved the tensile modulus by 137%. Further improvement by 179% was observed when alkali-treated sisal fiber was used. The combined alkali/acetylation treatment of sisal yields more enhancement by 233%. This is a significant advancement because modulus is the most influential parameter during the design and service of an engineering product. Generally, compared to the raw sisal composite (RSC) the interfacial, mechanical, thermal, and water absorption properties of the alkali treated sisal composite (Al-SC) and alkali/acetylated sisal composite (Al-ASC) specimens recorded an improvement. Relative to the natural fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites that were commercialized in the automotive industry, the produced sisal–PET composites resulted in a considerable improvement of 66.6%–190% in flexural strength and by 110.5%–410.0% in flexural modulus, depending on sisal fiber treatment and the composite to be compared. Thus, the studied composites can be recommended for various parts of automobiles.

An artificial neural network prediction on physical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of giant reed fiber reinforced polyethylene terephthalate composite

Plant fiber reinforced hybrid polymer composites have had broad applications recently because of their lower cost advantages, lower weight, and biodegradable nature. The present work studies the influence of reinforcing giant reed fiber concentration in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) polymer for their physical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics and determines the optimum loading of giant reed fiber using an artificial neural network (ANN) scheme. Giant reed fiber reinforced PET matrix laminates were manufactured from compression molding with different fiber loadings such as 5 wt.%, 10 wt.%, and 20 wt.%. The mechanical characteristics such as tensile and flexural strength and the laminate’s tensile and flexural modulus were appraised and examined. The maximum value of tensile strength, flexural strength, tensile modulus, and flexural modulus were 5.4 MPa, 26 MPa, 8343 MPa, and 6300 MPa, respectively, for PET2 (10 wt.% of giant reed fiber in PET polymer) composite. Fiber pullout, gaps, and fracture behavior were examined from a scanning electron microscope in the microstructural analysis. A machine learning technique has been recommended to combine artificial intelligence while designing giant reed fiber reinforced polymeric laminates. Using the suggested method, an ANN model has been generated to attain the targeted giant reed fiber concentration for PET composite while gratifying the necessary targeted characteristics. The developed method is very effective and decreases the effort and time of material characterization for huge specimens. It will support the researchers in designing their forthcoming test efficiently.

Glucose-Derived Carbon Nanospheres as Flame Retardant for Polyethylene Terephthalate

To improve the flame retardant properties of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), glucose-derived carbon nanospheres (CNSs) were synthesized and introduced into PET matrix. The thermal property and flame retardancy of CNSs/PET composites were thoroughly investigated. Results showed that CNSs displayed good flame-retardant performance for PET. When blended with only 1.0 wt.% of CNSs, CNSs/PET exhibited a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 26.3 and a vertical combustion class of V-2, and its peak-heat release rate (pk-HRR) was reduced by 41.6%. Importantly, the initial decomposition temperature and the maximum weight loss temperature of CNSs/PET were 52°C and 199°C higher than those of PET, respectively. Furthermore, a condensed phase flame-retardant mechanism appeared in CNSs/PET, which formed a dense and thermally stable protective char layer during combustion. Overall, this study disclosed the flame-retardant potential and possible mechanism of CNSs for polyesters, which would benefit the development of carbon-based materials and flame-retardant polymers.

Effect of Surface Texture on Tensile Shear Strength of 1060Al-PET Welding Joints

Joining metal to plastic can lighten weight of products to reduce energy consumption. However, it is difficult to achieve high-strength welding between metal and plastic. To address this problem, the methods of surface texture pretreatment and laser irradiation welding was proposed to achieve the high-strength connection of metal and plastic. In this study, with different parameters of laser power and texture morphology, 1060 Al with surface texture treatment was joined to polyethylene terephthalate (PET) by laser irradiation welding from metal side. Study showed that as the laser power increased, the tensile shear strength of joints increased first, and decreased thereafter. Tensile shear tests demonstrated that the mechanical force of joint was strengthened contributed to mechanical anchorage formed by surface texture. The depth-width ratio of the texture grooves affected the tensile shear process of the joint. According to the result of temperature simulation, the existence of texture grooves reduced the heat transfer efficiency, and the heat dissipation at interface was also impeded in course of laser welding. Finally, the maximum tensile strength of 1060Al-PET joint reached 48.4 MPa, which was close to the strength of PET matrix. The bonding mechanism of the 1060Al-PET joints was composed of mechanical bonding and chemical bonding. This study proposes an effective method to join metal to plastic which achieved high-strength connection between metal and plastic.

Incorporation of Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes and Graphene Nanoplatelets on the Morphology and Properties of Polyethylene Terephthalate Nanocomposites

In this work, the interaction effect between polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on the morphology and thermal properties of the nanocomposites have been investigated. PET nanocomposites with the incorporation of 0.1 wt% and 0.5 wt% of MWCNTs and GNPs were prepared by the melt compounding and injection moulding method. The presence of MWCNTs and GNPs in the PET matrix was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique. MWCNTs and GNPs acted as a nucleating agent which enhanced the crystallization of PET/MWCNT/GNP nanocomposites at both weight percentages. The result obtained from thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the incorporation of MWCNTs and GNPs into pure PET improved the thermal stability of the nanocomposites. The nanofillers served as efficient heat sinks which prevent thermal degradation of PET. From the fractured cross-section morphology in field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), the nanofillers displayed good dispersion in the PET matrix. Better dispersion distribution found in 0.1 wt% PET/MWCNTs/GNPs nanocomposites compared to 0.5 wt% PET/MWCNTs/GNPs nanocomposites which favor less mechanical and physical failures like crack, delamination, and agglomeration.

Characteristics of cellulose fibers from Opuntia ficus indica cladodes and its use as reinforcement for PET based composites

ABSTRACT With the aim of valorizing the unexplored Moroccan resources, Opuntia ficus indica (OFI) cladodes were proposed as a renewable source for the production of cellulose. In this work, cellulose microfibers were extracted from OFI cladodes using one of the most suitable methods for the extraction of cellulose based on the alkaline delignification. The morphological (SEM), thermal (TGA/DTG), and structural (XRD, FTIR, and 13C NMR) analysis of the isolated cellulose has been identified. Afterward, the reinforcing capability of cellulose fibers was examined using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) as a matrix by combining extrusion and compression molding processes. The effects of fibers loading on physical properties of the composites, such as tensile strength and Young’s Modulus before and after water absorption, were studied. The stability of the optimal composite was also examined based on the dependence of rheological parameters (G’ and G”) with strain and time. Composites containing 15 wt% of fibers exhibited the best mechanical properties in dry and wet cases, reaching 88% increase from neat PET in Young’s modulus and 36% increase in the tensile strength. However, excellent structural stability of the optimal composite was found with a predominant elastic behavior resulting from the good interface adhesion between cellulose fibers and PET matrix. The present work showed new routes for the valorization of OFI cladodes in the development of composite materials.

Understanding Covalent Grafting of Nanotubes onto Polymer Nanocomposites: Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study.

Here, we systematically interrogate the effects of grafting single-walled (SWNT) and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) to polymer matrices by using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We specifically investigate key material properties that include interfacial load transfer, alteration of nanotube properties, and dispersion of nanotubes in the polymer matrix. Simulations are conducted on a periodic unit cell model of the nanocomposite with a straight carbon nanotube and an amorphous polyethylene terephthalate (PET) matrix. For each type of nanotube, either 0%, 1.55%, or 3.1% of the carbon atoms in the outermost nanotubes are covalently grafted onto the carbon atoms of the PET matrix. Stress-strain curves and the elastic moduli of nanotubes and nanocomposites are determined based on the density of covalent grafting. Covalent grafting promotes two rivalling effects with respect to altering nanotube properties, and improvements in interfacial load transfer in the nanocomposites are clearly observed. The enhanced interface enables external loads applied to the nanocomposites to be efficiently transferred to the grafted nanotubes. Covalent functionalization of the nanotube surface with PET molecules can alter the solubility of nanotubes and improve dispersibility. Finally, we discuss the current limitations and challenges in using molecular modelling strategies to accurately predict properties on the nanotube and polymers systems studied here.

Poly(maleic acid-co-acrylic acid) ionomer as nucleating agent on the crystallization behavior and properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) generally suffers from low crystallization rate and long molding cycle, which limits its application in injection molding of engineering plastics. To overcome the specific shortcoming, polymaleic acid-co-acrylic acid (PMA-AA) ionomer used as a nucleating agent was added to PET by melt blending, and its effect on the crystallization behavior of PET was investigated in this paper. It is indicated that the modified PET samples (MPET) with the addition of nucleating agents exhibit much higher molecular order and faster crystallization rate. The nucleation mechanism of MPET induced by PMA-AA ionomer was analyzed by means of Avrami equation and Hoffman–Lauritzen theory, revealing that the addition of PMA-AA ionomer provides more nucleation sites and reduces the fold surface free energy of PET. The nucleation and dispersion behavior of PMA-AA ionomer were further observed by SEM and POM morphologies. The results demonstrated that ionomer was dispersed homogeneously in the PET matrix, thus leading to faster crystallization rate of MPET than neat PET. In addition, the thermal stability, mechanical properties, and gas barrier of PET and MPET were characterized.

Characterization of kenaf and glass fiber reinforced hybrid composites for underbody shield applications

With an objective to make automotive parts environmentally friendly by replacing glass fibers with natural fibers for underbody shield application, this paper investigates the water absorption behavior of three types of compression-molded composites: all-glass (25% by wt.), all-kenaf (25% by wt.) and hybrid (12.5% glass and 12.5% kenaf by wt.) with polyethylene terephthalate matrix and Acrodur® binding agent at ambient (23 °C) and elevated (70 °C) temperatures. Specimens saturated at ambient temperature were then subjected to various hygrothermal conditionings: freeze-thaw cycling between 23 °C and −29 °C; extended freeze at −29 °C; and re-drying. Standard flexural tests showed the degradation in mechanical properties was a strong function of water absorption. At dry conditions, both flexural modulus and strength for hybrid and all-kenaf composite were much higher compared to all-glass composite. After saturation, the mechanical properties of all-kenaf and hybrid composite, despite being significantly affected by water absorption, were comparable to the saturated all-glass composites. As expected, the mechanical properties of composites saturated at 70 °C were severely affected where the modulus decreased by about 55% for the hybrid and all-kenaf composites. However, freeze-thaw cycling and extended freeze did not have any significant impact on the mechanical properties of the saturated composites. Interestingly, the flexural strength for all composites increased after the saturated specimens were re-dried. This phenomenon was attributed to the added crosslinking in the Acrodur matrix. Also, sound absorption tests and muffler tests showed that glass fibers can be replaced by kenaf fibers without compromising the performance.

Functionalization of PET with Phosphazene Grafted Graphene Oxide for Synthesis, Flammability, and Mechanism.

Significant improvement in the fire resistance of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) while ensuring its mechanical properties is a tremendous challenge. A novel flame retardant (GO-HCCP, graphene oxide-hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene) was synthesized by nucleophilic substitution of the graphene oxide (GO) and hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene (HCCP) and then applied in PET by an in situ polymerization technique. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) showed a better dispersion of GO-HCCP than GO in the PET matrix. The char yield at 700 °C increased by 32.5% with the addition of GO-HCCP. Moreover, the peak heat release rate (pHRR), peak smoke produce rate (pSPR)and carbon monoxide production (COP)values significantly decreased by 26.0%, 16.7% and 37.5%, respectively, which indicates the outstanding fire and smoke suppression of GO-HCCP. In addition, the composites exhibited higher elastic modulus and tensile strength without compromising the toughness of PET matrix. These significantly reduced fire hazards properties are mainly attributed to the catalytic carbonation of HCCP and the barrier effect of GO. Thus, PET composites with good flame-retardant and mechanical properties were prepared, which provides a new strategy for further flame retardant PET preparation.