Structure and Properties of Recycled Aromatic Thermoplastic Polyester Nanocomposites

Structure as well as mechanical and thermal properties of the nanocomposites based on recycled polyethylene terephthalate (RPET) are investigated. 1, 2 and 5 wt. % of unmodified montmorillonite nanoclay (MMT) were introduced in the RPET matrix by melt compounding in a twin screw extruder. Results of the investigations testify that optimum content of MMT for modification of RPET is between 1 and 2 wt. %. Up to this nanofiller weight content, the most rapid increase of stiffness, strength and impact toughness is observed. Besides it, at this nanofiller weight content the investigated composite have somewhat improved thermal resistance. It is demonstrated that the improvement of these properties is due to better distribution of MMT in the polymer matrix. At higher nanofiller content, the undesirable effects of the nanofiller agglomeration becomes more important.