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Preparation and properties of organo‐modifier free PET/MMT nanocomposites via monomer intercalation and in situ polymerization
Author(s) -
Chen Zhaojun,
Luo Ping,
Fu Qiang
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
polymers for advanced technologies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.61
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1099-1581
pISSN - 1042-7147
DOI - 10.1002/pat.1336
Subject(s) - materials science , montmorillonite , nanocomposite , intercalation (chemistry) , monomer , polymerization , in situ polymerization , chemical engineering , crystallization , isothermal process , polymer chemistry , polymer , composite material , organic chemistry , chemistry , physics , engineering , thermodynamics
In order to prevent the properties, especially transparency, color and health security, of PET/clay nanocomposites from being deteriorated due to the thermal degradation of clay organo‐modifer, we had directly modified sodium montmorillonite (Na + ‐MMT) with PET's monomer, bis (hydroxyethyl) terephthalate (BHET) which had a degradation temperature higher than 400°C, and successfully prepared the hybrids via in situ polymerization. Nanodispersion of clay and the intercalated morphology were determined, and compared with PET/Na + ‐MMT hybirds in which Na + ‐MMT was directly added without any treatment. Improved mechanical properties and T g were observed for the prepared PET/ BHET‐modified clay composites. More importantly, the film produced from the composites had the same transparency as that of pure PET even when 2 wt% of clay was added. Non‐isothermal and isothermal crystallization experiments showed a very good neculation capability of the nano‐dispersed clay, particularly at higher crystallization temperatures. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.