Morphology and thermomechanical properties of recycled PET-organoclay nanocomposites

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 104; no. 3; pp. 1839 - 1844
• Main Authors: Bizarria, Maria T. M., Giraldi, André L. F. de M., de Carvalho, Cesar M., Velasco, Jose I., d'Ávila, Marcos A., Mei, Lucia H. I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 05.05.2007; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Exact sciences and technology; nanocomposites; Polymer industry, paints, wood; recycled pet; Technology of polymers; thermomechanical properties; Waste treatment; Ethylene terephthalate polymer; Organic clay; recycled pet; Dispersion degree; Ester polymer; Mechanical properties; Dispersion reinforced material; Tensile property; thermomechanical properties; Experimental study; Property processing relationship; nanocomposites; Composite material; Thermal properties; Structure processing relationship; Bottle; Morphology; Extrusion; Nanocomposite; Recycled material; Recycling; Plastic waste
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.25836

Recycled PET/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared by melt intercalation process with several amounts (1, 3, and 5 wt %) of clay modified with quaternary ammonium salt (DELLITE 67G) dispersed in a recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (rPET) matrix. The resultant mechanical properties (modulus and yield strength) of the nanocomposites were found to be different from those of rPET. Wide angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) measurements have shown that although complete exfoliation was not achieved, delaminated clay platelets could be observed. Thermal analysis did not show significant changes in the thermal properties from those of recycled PET. Mechanical testing showed that nanocomposite properties were superior to the recycled PET in terms of strength and elasticity modulus. This improvement was attributed to nanoscale effects and strong interaction between the rPET matrix and the clay interface, as revealed by WAXS and TEM. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1839–1844, 2007