Carbon nanotubes-reinforced PET nanocomposite by melt-compounding

Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nanocomposites with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been prepared by a simple melt compounding method. With increasing concentration (0-3 wt%) of SWNTs, the mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties improved, corresponding to effective reinforcement. Melt rheological characterization indicated the effective entanglements provided by SWNTs in the melt state as well. Thermogravimetric analysis suggested no influence of SWNTs on the thermal stability of PET. Electrical conductivity measurements on the composite films pointed out that the melt compounded SWNTs can result in electrical percolation albeit at concentrations exceeding 2 wt %. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.