Polymer Bulletin, Vol.65, No.2, 133-143, 2010
Morphology studies of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/silica nanocomposites
Poly(ethylene terephthalate)/silica nanocomposites have been prepared through in situ polymerization. The morphology was investigated by atomic force microscopy in the tapping mode and scanning electron microscope. The interface morphological structure of the poly(ethylene terephthalate)/silica nanocomposites strongly depends on the ratio of silica in the matrix. When silica weight fraction is lower than 3 wt%, the system consists of aggregated silica particles dispersed in the organic matrix; beyond this concentration, the structure is co-continuous with that of the organic matrix. Surface of poly(ethylene terephthalate) was smooth; while nanocomposites were rough, there are good interfacial adhesion and compatibility between the polymer matrix and the nanofillers.