Thermal degradation kinetics of in situ prepared PET nanocomposites with acid-treated multi-walled carbon nanotubes

• Published in: Journal of thermal analysis and calorimetry 2010-06, Vol.100 (3), p.1063-1071
• Main Authors: Vassiliou, A. A., Chrissafis, K., Bikiaris, D. N.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Analytical Chemistry; Applied sciences; Calorimetry; Chemistry; Chemistry and Materials Science; Composites; Crosslinking; Exact sciences and technology; Fittings; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; Hydroxides; Inorganic Chemistry; Macromolecules; Measurement Science and Instrumentation; Multi wall carbon nanotubes; Nanocomposites; Nanotubes; Physical Chemistry; Polyethylene terephthalate; Polyethylene terephthalates; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Polymer Sciences; Polymerization; Technology of polymers
• ISSN: 1388-6150; 1588-2926; 1572-8943
• DOI: 10.1007/s10973-009-0426-4

A series of PET/acid-treated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) nanocomposites of varying nanoparticles’ concentration were prepared, using the in situ polymerization technique. TEM micrographs verified that the dispersion of the MWCNTs into the PET matrix was homogeneous, while some relatively small aggregates co-existed at higher filler contents. Intrinsic viscosity of the prepared nanocomposites was increased at low MWCNTs contents (up to 0.25 wt%), while at higher contents a gradual reduction was observed. The surface carboxylic groups of acid-treated MWCNTs probably reacted with the hydroxyl end groups of PET, acting as chain extenders at smaller concentrations, while at higher concentrations, on the other hand, led to the formation of branched and cross-linked macromolecules, with reduced apparent molecular weights. From the thermogravimetric curves, it was concluded that the prepared samples exhibited good thermostability, since no remarkable mass loss occurred up to 320 °C (