Effect of type and clay content on the thermal stability of PET composites

In this study the thermal stability of PET/clay composites was evaluated; in particular, the effects of the type and the amount of clay on this property were investigated. Three different clays, one pristine clay (AN) and two organoclays (AM and CL30B) at 1, 2 and 3 wt% were used in the preparation of PET composites by melt intercalation in a twin screw extruder coupled to the Haake torque rheometer. The type and the amount of clay strongly influenced the stability of composites. The composites prepared with the AM and CL30B organoclays show smaller stability than the one prepared with pristine clay (AN). Additionally, the best state of the dispersion of the organoclays in the PET matrix, PET composites containing higher amount of organoclays (3 wt%), presented lower stability (author)