Structure evolution in poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) – Multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite films during in-situ uniaxial deformation. (1st June 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Heeley, Ellen L.; Hughes, Darren J.; Crabb, Eleanor; Kershaw, Matthew; Shebanova, Olga; Leung, Sandy; Mayoral, Beatrice; McNally, Tony
• Is Part Of: Polymer. Volume 92(2016)
• Page Start: 239
• Page End: 249
• Publication Date: 2016-06-01
• Subjects: Polymer multi-walled carbon nanotube composites -- Small- and wide-angle X-Ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) -- Crystalline morphology evolution -- Nucleating agents; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; Polymères -- Périodiques; Polymérisation -- Périodiques; 547.7
• DOI: 10.1016/j.polymer.2016.03.071
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-3861

Abstract

Abstract: Combined small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS), mechanical and thermal techniques have been used to follow the morphology evolution in a series of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composite films during quasi solid-state uniaxial deformation at low strain rates. Uniaxially deformed PET-MWCNT films displayed improved mechanical properties compared with unfilled PET films. SAXS/WAXS data revealed a well oriented lamellar structure for unfilled PET films. In contrast, the PET-MWCNT composites revealed a nanohybrid shish-kebab (NHSK) morphology, with reduced orientation and crystallinity. Mechanistically, this morphology development is attributed to the MWCNTs acting as shish for the epitaxial growth of PET crystallites. Furthermore, nucleation and crystal growth occurs in the PET matrix, but MWCNTs ultimately inhibit crystallite development and hinder a final lamellar structure developing. The results show unequivocally the role MWCNTs play as nanofillers, in the morphology development, thermal and mechanical properties in composite polymer films. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Morphology evolution and crystallinity of PET-MWCNT composite films was investigated. Uniaxially deformed PET-MWCNT films displayed improved mechanical properties. SAXS/WAXS data revealed a well oriented lamellar structure for unfilled PET films. PET-MWCNT composites revealed a nanohybrid shish-kebab (NHSK) morphology. The MWCNTs act as shish for the epitaxial growth of PET crystallites (kebabs).