Mechanical Properties, Morphology, and Viscoelastic Behavior of Polyethylene Terephthalate/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites

Abstract

In recent decades, much attention has been devoted to polymer nanocomposites due to their superior properties at minimal filler loadings. Among thermoplastics, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) stands out for its widespread use in the packaging industry, with research increasingly focusing on the incorporation of nanofillers such as graphene oxide (GO) to optimize its properties. The current study investigates the mechanical and viscoelastic behavior of PET/GO nanocomposites (0.02 to 0.05 wt.% GO) produced through the melt mixing technique. GO was synthesized via a modified Hummers method and transferred to a sonicated rapeseed oil dispersion prior to processing in a twin-screw extruder. Nanoindentation measurements demonstrated significant enhancements in mechanical properties with increasing GO loading, while rheological analyses revealed a notable reduction in complex viscosity. These findings confirm the dual role of GO as both a reinforcing agent and a processing aid in PET nanocomposites, achieved through a straightforward and potentially scalable processing route.