Relaxation map of PETg-montmorillonite composites: Nanofiller concentration influence on α and β relaxation processes

Samples of polyethylene‐1.4‐cyclohexylenedimethylene terephthalate glycol (PETg) with different filler contents were prepared by a master batch process. The intercalated dispersion state of montmorillonite (MMT) was characterized using X‐Ray Diffraction. Two different sample series are put in evidence with different basal distances (3.31 and 3.48 nm). The influence of nanofiller on α and β relaxations was studied by Dielectric Relaxation Spectroscopy and Differential Scanning Calorimetry. The use of these two techniques allowed us to determine accurately the fragility index m at the glass transition temperature Tg. For Tg, m, the Kauzmann temperature TK, and the relaxation time at Tg τ(Tg), we showed a decrease of the values more important for 3.48 nm basal distance than for 3.31 nm. The β did not seem affected in its apparent activation energy Ea by the MMT addition. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers