Hybrid clay-carbon nanotube/PET composites: Preparation, processing, and analysis of physical properties

Abstract

The aim of this work was the preparation of novel composites of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and nano-hybrid systems based on clay used as catalyst for the growth of multi walled carbon nanotubes (Clay-CNTs), through catalytic chemical vapor deposition (CCVD). The carbon content into the hybrid filler was 58.1 wt %. Composites with 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 3.0 wt % of Clay-CNTs were obtained by melt compounding and processed using a microinjection molding press. Unfilled PET was processed in the same composites conditions. Structural characterization and physical properties (thermal, degradation, mechanical, and electrical) were analyzed and correlated to the hybrid filler loading, and carbon nanotubes amount. Copyright © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.