Synthesis and Properties of Composites of Nanocrystalline Cellulose with Poly(ethylene terephthalate)

A procedure was developed for preparing composites of nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) with poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET). Poly(ethylene terephthalate) and PET/NCC composites were prepared by a continuous procedure in two steps: esterification of terephthalic acid with ethylene glycol and polycondensation. The morphological, thermal, sorption, and mechanical properties of the synthesized PET/NCC composites were studied using a set of modern physicochemical methods. Introduction of a small amount of nanocrystalline cellulose (about 0.1%) in the course of poly(ethylene terephthalate) synthesis does not lead to changes in the molecular mass composition of the polymer but appreciably increases the degree of crystallinity and improves the mechanical properties of the composite.