Study On Nano-Composites Of Poly (Ethylene Terephthalate) And Titanium Dioxide

Two different methods, melt blending and in-situ polymerization, were used to prepare the antibacterial nano-composites of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂), and the nano-composite systems of PET/POE/TiO₂ were also studied, whose microstructure and macro-properties were studied systematically by means of a series of advanced analysis technology such as DSC, TEM, TMA, DMTA, Brabender rheometer, Instron rheometer, tensile tester and impact tester. First, in the polymerization process , nano-TiO₂ was dispersed homogeneously in the PET matrix by using ultrasonic dispersion technology, and the condensation polymerization of PET was accelerated by the nano-TiO₂. Second, in the melt blending process, the compatibility of PET and TiO₂ was improved effectively when EVA was used as dispersion agent, which resulted in homogeneous dipersion of TiO₂ in the PET matrix. Third, the toughness and tensile properties of the nano-composites of PET, POE and TiO₂ were improved simultaneously when TiO₂ was added into the composites and PP-MAH was used as the compatibilizer. Forth, the nano-composites of PET and nano-TiO₂ showed obviously antibacterial ability, which would be further strengthened with the increase of content of TiO₂. The above experimental results could provide reliable cretia for the study and application of the antibacterial agents of nano-TiO₂, and also for the development of antibacterial nano-composites of PET and TiO₂.