Maleated PET as a compatiblizer for preparing PET nanocomposites

Polymer nanocomposites based on layered silicates show extraordinary advantages in the mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties when compared to the pure polymer [1]. Nanocomposites of different polymer matrices have been studied during recent two decades [2]. Poly(ethylene terephthalate) is an engineering polymer that has been considered as a commodity because of its various applications, e.g. packaging and fiber production. Because achieving an exfoliated structure with clay in PET is difficult and PET has a very slow crystallization rate, studies on PET/clay nanocomposites have mainly been concerned on the dispersion of clay in PET [3, 4]. Sanchez-Solis et al. have used maleic anhydride (MA) and pentaerythrytol (PENTA) as compatiblizing agent for PET nanocomposites [5].In this study maleated PET as a compatiblizer for preparing PET nanocomposites was produced via reaction between maleic anhydride/phthalic anhydride composition and PET oligomers obtained from glycolysis of PET.