Thermal decomposition behavior of poly(ethylene 2,6-naphthalate)/silica nanocomposites

• Published in: Polymer composites 2009-12, Vol.30 (12), p.1779-1787
• Main Authors: Kim, Jun Young, Kim, Duk Ki, Kim, Seong Hun
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Nanocomposites; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymer matrix composites; Silicon dioxide; Technology of polymers; Thermal decomposition
• ISSN: 0272-8397; 1548-0569
• DOI: 10.1002/pc.20749

Poly(ethylene 2,6‐naphthalate) (PEN) nanocomposites reinforced with silica nanoparticles were prepared by direct melt compounding. Dynamic thermogravimetric analysis was conducted on the PEN/silica nanocomposites to clarify the effect of silica nanoparticle on the thermal decomposition behavior of the resultant nanocomposites. There is a significant dependence of thermal decomposition behavior for PEN/silica nanocomposites on the content of silica nanoparticles and heating rate. The variation of the activation energy for thermal decomposition reflected the improvement of the thermal stability of the PEN/silica nanocomposites. The unique characteristics of silica nanoparticles resulted in physical barrier effect against the thermal decomposition, leading to the enhancement of the thermal stability of the PEN/silica nanocomposites. The incorporation of silica nanoparticles into the PEN matrix increased the storage modulus of the PEN/silica nanocomposites and made it possible for them to sustain higher modulus at higher temperature relative to pure PEN. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers