Preparation and Characterization of Poly(butyleneterephthalate)/Organoclay Nanocomposites

Abstract

PBT/organic montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites were prepared via melt intercalation and their nanostructure was characterized by means of X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Nanocomposite formation requires sufficiently hydrophobic organically modified layered silicates, as well as the presence of polar interactions between silicate and polymer. Three different alkylammonium surfactants were used to modify MMT. In addition, epoxy resin was added as a third component, and the effects on the intercalation and exfoliation behavior of the PBT nanocomposites were investigated.