In situ polymerization and characterization of graphite nanoplatelet/poly(ethylene terephthalate) nanocomposites for construction of melt-spun fibers

Abstract

A set of novel nanocomposites based on graphite nanoplatelets (GnP) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) were synthesized using an in situ polymerization approach that were subsequently being spun into fibers on a melt spinning apparatus. The GnP/PET nanocomposites with a filler weight fraction below 2% showed a homogenous fractured surface as a result of good dispersion of GnP in the PET matrix through preliminary dispersant treatment coupled with subsequent melt compounding during the polymerization. Compared to unmodified PET, the GnP/PET nanocomposites were confirmed to improve thermal stabilities and increase crystallization rates which were capable of facilitating the downstream procedure of melt spinning. At a low level of GnP loading, the PET matrix nanocomposite fibers were readily melt-spun without detecting fiber breakage or filament defect and exhibited mechanical properties similar to unmodified PET fiber as the compact interaction was formed between GnP and PET matrix. Particularly, the volume resistivity of the resultant nanocomposite fibers was found to be substantially reduced due to the intrinsic electrical conductivity that the GnP imparts as a filler. Taken together, our work introduces a simple and environmentally friendly method for melt spinning of GnP/PET nanocomposite fibers with great potential for applications in antistatic textile and military industries.