Poly(ethylene terephthalate)/attapulgite nanocomposites: Preparation, structure, and properties

Abstract

Abstract In this study, poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/attapulgite (AT) nanocomposites were prepared through the in situ polymerization of terephthalic acid, ethylene glycol, and AT, which was not premodified. By means of this new method, PET chains were successfully grafted onto the surface of AT, and this was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy. Transmission electron microscopy micrographs revealed that AT was well dispersed in the PET matrix. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis were used to investigate the thermal properties of the nanocomposites. The results suggested that the addition of AT could accelerate the crystallization rate and enhance the thermal stability of PET. Dynamic mechanical analysis results showed that the storage modulus of the PET/AT nanocomposites was greatly improved in comparison with that of pure PET. The tensile strength and modulus increased with increasing AT content. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008