Synthesis and characterization of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) nanocomposites incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) nanocomposites containing multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) were prepared using a melt-blending process. Acrylic acid-grafted PTT (PTT-g-AA) and multihydroxylfunctionalized MWNTs (MWNTs-OH) were used to improve the compatibility and dispersibility of MWNTs within the PTT matrix. The nanocomposites were characterized morphologically by transmission electron microscopy and chemically using Fourier transform infrared absorbance, 13C solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance, and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy. The thermal and mechanical properties of the blends were also evaluated. The functionalized PTT-g-AA/MWNT-OH blend showed markedly enhanced thermal and mechanical properties due to the formation of ester bonds from the condensation of the carboxylic acid groups of PTT-g-AA with the hydroxyl groups of MWNT-OH. The optimal proportion of MWNT-OH in the blends was 1 wt %. In excess of this amount, compatibility between the organic and inorganic phases was compromised. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.