Enhancing crystallization and mechanical properties of PET polyester using functionalized carbon nanotubes

Abstract

This study presents an innovative electrochemical peeling–APTES silanization synergistic strategy for the preparation of a CNT–APTES nucleating agent that effectively integrates rigidity and flexibility. The electrochemical process selectively removes the outer wall of CNTs while preserving the integrity of the sp² carbon skeleton, resulting in efficient silanization of CNTs and a reduction in the reaction time of traditional processes by 72%. When the amount of this nucleating agent is 0.6 wt%, the tensile strength of the PET composite material increases from 53.13 MPa to 86.3 MPa, representing a relative increase of 48.3%. Additionally, the crystallization half-life is shortened by 38.8%, while the elongation at break remains at 1680%, achieving a synergistic optimization of crystallization performance and mechanical properties. In conclusion, the CNTs–APTES synthesized through this synergistic strategy can serve as an effective nucleating agent for polyethylene terephthalate (PET).