Recycled PET nanocomposites improved by silanization of organoclays

• DOI: 10.1002/app.26690
• Publication Date: 2007-07-03T16:16:35Z
• Authors: Milan Kráčalík; Martin Studenovský; Jana Mikešová; Antonín Sikora; Ralf Thomann; Christian Friedrich; Ivan Fortelný; Josef Šimoník
• Keywords: Organoclay; Silanization; Thermogravimetric analysis; Thermal Stability

Abstract Recycled PET/organo‐modified montmorillonite nanocomposites were prepared via melt compounding as a promising possibility of the used beverage bottles recovery. According to our previous work, three suitable commercial organoclays Cloisite 25A, 10A, and 30B additionally modified with [3‐(glycidyloxy)propyl]trimethoxysilane, hexadecyltrimethoxysilane (3‐aminopropyl)trimethoxysilane. The selected compounded in concentration 5 wt % their degree intercalation/delamination was determined by wide‐angle X‐ray scattering transmission electron microscopy. Modification 25A [3‐(glycidyloxy)propyl]trimethoxysilane increased homogeneity silicate layers recycled PET. Additional modification 10A led lower level delamination concomitant viscosity reduction. However, flow characteristics all studied organoclay showed solid‐like behavior at low frequencies. Silanization had remarkable impact on crystallinity temperature decrease accompanied faster formation crystalline nuclei during injection molding. Thermogravimetric analysis enhancement thermal stability organoclays. tensile tests confirmed significant increase PET‐R stiffness loading system containing treated revealed combination high extensibility, which could be utilized for production high‐performance materials spinning, extrusion, blow molding technologies. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci,