PET/Mica nanocomposites for food packaging: crystallization behavior and mechanical properties

Nowadays polymer nanocomposites have introduced as a new class of food packaging materials due to their enhanced mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties. In this study PET nano composites were prepared by melt blending of poly (ethylene terephthalate) pellets and mica nanoparticles. The morphology of PET/mica nanocomposites was characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), showing exfoliated/intercalated structures for different concentrations of mica. The crystallization behavior was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Incorporation of mica nanoparticles in PET matrix had pronounced effect on crystallization of poly (ethylene terephthalate). Both crystallization rate and degree of crystallinity increased due to nucleation effect of mica nanoparticles. The results of mechanical test indicated that addition of micas to PET matrix caused to slight diminish of tensile strength and ductility of polymer.