Increasing the incorporation of recycled PET on polymeric blends through the reinforcement with commercial nanoclays

The effect of increasing post-consumer bottle recycled poly (ethylene terephthalate) (RPET) on optical, thermal (DSC and TGA) and mechanical properties of films prepared by extrusion blending of RPET and virgin PET (vPET) was investigated. Furthermore, morphology (XRD and TEM) and physical properties of vPET/RPET nanocomposites prepared with commercial organoclays were studied. Calorimetric and mechanical parameters of the vPET/RPET films without clay were mostly changed at concentrations >80% of RPET. On the other hand, nanocomposites showed a combined intercalated/tactoid morphology. Higher percentages of short RPET chains favored polymer intercalation, increased elastic modulus, and produced a smaller impact on opacity in nanocomposites. Tensile strength was decreased by the formation of tactoid agglomerates. Ductility was increased by the occurrence of the stress oscillation phenomenon (SO) during the tensile test. SO was promoted with the increase of RPET concentration while the presence of clays inhibited it. [Display omitted] •Stress oscillations of vPET/RPET blends was increased with RPET concentration.•The presence of RPET increased stress oscillations of vPET/RPET blends.•vPET/RPET nanocomposites presented a combined intercalated/tactoid morphology.•Incorporation of nanoclays in PET blends tended to inhibit stress oscillations.•A high proportion of RPET in nanocomposites increased elastic modulus.