In situ Synthesis of Poly(ethylene terephthalate)/layered Silicate Nanocomposites by Polycondensation

Abstract

The goal of the work presented here was to develop nanocomposites consisting of layered silicates and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Two nanocomposite preparation methods were compared: first, the usual melt compounding technique, and second, in-situ synthesis of PET in presence of different types of layered silicates. Montmorillonite (MMT) without and with organophilic modification was employed as layered silicate. In most cases, PETs with acceptable properties (molecular weight and discoloration) were synthesized in presence of different MMTs although the molecular weights of the in-situ PETs were lower than the control sample. These materials were used as masterbatch for PET nanocom-posites with 5 wt.% inorganic content. The exfoliation in both types of nanocomposites was not complete, but they showed a good distribution of clay within the polymer matrix.