Synthesis, crystallization and tensile properties of poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-2,6-naphthalate)s with low naphthalate units content

A series of poly(ethylene terephthalate-co-naphthalate)s (PETN copolymers) with low naphthalate units content was synthesized. A melting point depression was observed, while the glass transition temperatures were slightly higher than that of Polyethylene terephthalate (PET). Crystallization rates of the copolymers decreased with increasing comonomer content. WAXD patterns showed that only PET crystals were formed. Co-crystallization behaviour was evaluated on the basis of the Wendling-Suter model. The tensile properties of the copolymers PETN 97/3 and PETN 94/6, Young's modulus yield stress and elongation at break was significantly improved compared to PET. WAXD showed that some crystalline precursor was generated during drawing of the specimens. DSC traces of the drawn specimens showed enhanced crystallization rates compared to that of the original amorphous specimens. (C) 2003 Published by Elsevier Ltd.