Reduced graphene oxide reinforcedPET/PBTnanocomposites: Compatibilization and characterization

This research work focused on the effects of different compatibilizers on the properties of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) reinforced poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) nanocomposites. The samples were prepared via melt compounding and injection molding methods. The Joncryl and glycidyl isooctyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (GPOSS) were used as compatibilizers at different loading levels (0.5%-4%). The structural, thermal, mechanical, morphological, and electrical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. The Fourier transform infrared analysis results revealed that no significant interaction was observed when GPOSS was added. On the other hand, there were more obvious changes in the peaks of the nanocomposite containing Joncryl. The thermal results showed that the compatibilizer addition caused small changes while rGO addition did not considerably affect the thermal stability of blend. The glass transition temperature of the nanocomposite significantly decreased with the addition of GPOSS. The tensile test indicated that compatibilizers improved the mechanical performance of PET/PBT/rGO nanocomposite.