Thermal and mechanical properties of poly(ether ester)-based thermoplastic elastomer composites filled with TiO2 nanoparticles

Poly(butylene terephthalate)-block-poly(tetramethylene glycol) (PBT-PTMG)-based thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) was filled with nano TiO2 particles by direct melt blending. The particle content in matrix was varied from 1.3 to 4.9 vol.%. The samples were characterized using SEM, mu CT, DSC, TGA, DMTA and tensile test. SEM examination shows strong interfacial interactions between TPE matrix and TiO2 particles due to formation of chemical bonds. The incorporation of TiO2 particles increases overall the thermal properties of soft and hard segments such as the glass transition temperature, the melting temperature, and the thermal stability of material. The tensile properties of TPE are also significantly improved indicated by increased tensile strength and modulus. Increasing particle content leads to increased mechanical properties and thermal stability of composites.