Preparation of polybutylene terephthalate/silica nanocomposites by melt compounding: Evaluation of surface properties

Influence of nanosilica on surface properties of poly(butylene terephthalate) was investigated by the use of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), contact angle measurement (CAM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and reflectance spectroscopy (RS). FTIR results indicated that surface groups of silica have some interfacial interactions and bonding with carboxyl or hydroxyl end groups of PBT chains. AFM and SEM figures of the resultant nanocomposites illustrated increased surface roughness compared to pure PBT. Optical properties of nanocomposite films were finally determined by the aid of reflectance spectrophotometer. (C) 2011 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.