Preparation, crystallization, and spinnability of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/silica nanocomposites

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/silica nanocomposites were successfully prepared by in situ polymerization. Silica nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed in the process of polymerization. By means of hot-stage polarization microscope and DSC, the influence of nanosilica on the crystallization of PET/silica nanocomposites has been clarified. The results show that nanosilica does not behave as a nucleating agent in PET but postpones the appearance of crystallite. This phenomenon is very favor to improve spinnability. The investigation on melt spinning of PET/silica nanocomposites also shows that it is advantageous to spinning with descending the spinning temperature. (c) 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.