Preparation of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/montmorillonite nanocomposites films by solution technique

Abstract

Poly (ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites were prepared by solution technique using 50/50 phenol/tetrachloroethane as a solvent, assisted with the ultrasonic power to promote the compatibility and dispersion of the montmorillonite in the PET solution. The PET concentrations were varied from 5, 7, and 9 %w/v. Two types of MMT: neat MMT and organoclay; MMT modified with dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium (2C18-MMT) were used with various amount from 1, 3, 5 and 10 phr to produce nano-scale composites. The effects of PET solution concentration, MMT types (organoclay and neat MMT), and MMT content on the physical, mechanical, and optical properties of the PET/MMT nanocomposites were investigated.