We have investigated the crystallization characteristics of melt compounded nanocomposites of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and single
walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). Differential scanning calorimetry studies showed that SWNTs at weight fractions as low as 0.03 wt% enhance
the rate of crystallization in PET, as the cooling nanocomposite melt crystallizes at a temperature 10 °C higher as compared to neat PET.
Isothermal crystallization studies also revealed that SWNTs significantly accelerate the crystallization process. WAXD showed oriented
crystallization of PET induced by oriented SWNTs in a randomized PET melt, indicating the role of SWNTs as nucleating sites.
Poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) based nanocomposites have been prepared with single walled carbon nanotubes
(SWNTs) through an ultrasound assisted dissolution-evaporation method. Differential scanning calorimetry studies
showed that SWNTs nucleate crystallization in PET at weight fractions as low as 0.3%, as the nanocomposite melt crystallized
during cooling at temperature 24 °C higher than neat PET of identical molecular weight. Isothermal crystallization
studies also revealed that SWNTs significantly accelerate the crystallization process. Mechanical properties of the PETSWNT
nanocomposites improved as compared to neat PET indicating the effective reinforcement provided by nanotubes
in the polymer matrix. Electrical conductivity measurements on the nanocomposite films showed that SWNTs at concentrations
exceeding 1 wt% in the PET matrix result in electrical percolation. Comparison of crystallization, conductivity and
transmission electron microscopy studies revealed that ultrasound assisted dissolution-evaporation method enables more
effective dispersion of SWNTs in the PET matrix as compared to the melt compounding method