Preparation and properties of organo‐modifier free PET/MMT nanocomposites via monomer intercalation and in situ polymerization |
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Authors: | Zhaojun Chen Ping Luo Qiang Fu |
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Institution: | Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, State Key Laboratory of Polymer Materials Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China |
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Abstract: | 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 Tg 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. |
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Keywords: | organo‐modifier free nanocomposites polyesters bis (hydroxyethyl) terephthalate |
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