Comparison of Thermomechanical Properties and Morphologies of Polyester Nanocomposite Fibers: PBT, PET, and PTT

Abstract

Nanocomposites of three different polyesters with dodecyltriphenyl-phosphonium-montmorillonite (C₁₂PPh-MMT) organoclay are compared with respect to their thermal properties, mechanical properties, and morphologies. Poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT), poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), and poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) were used as matrix polymers in the fabrication of polyester nanocomposite fibers. The variations in their properties with respect to both the organoclay content in the polymer matrix and the draw ratio (DR) are discussed. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs show that some of the clay layers are dispersed homogeneously within the polymer matrix on the nanoscale, although some clay particles are agglomerated. The results additionally show that the addition of only a small amount of organoclay is enough to improve the thermal stabilities and mechanical properties of the polyester nanocomposite fibers.

Keywords:

• Nanocomposite
• Organoclay
• Polyester

Notes

^a Draw ratio.

^b Inherent viscosities were measured at 30°C by using 0.1 g/dL solutions in a phenol/1,1,2,2-tetra-chloroethane (w/w = 50/50) mixture.

^c Initial weight reduction onset temperature.

^d Weight percent of residue at 600°C.

^a Draw ratio.

^b Elongation percent at break.

^a Draw ratio.

^b Elongation percent at break.

^a Draw ratio.

^b Elongation percent at break.