Abstract
The formation of nanoparticle-based nanocomposites of zirconium oxide/Poly (ethylene terephthalate) (ZrO-PET) during the polymerization process of PET was studied. Oxy zirconium compound was used as a precursor for the nanoparticles. This precursor was introduced to a ethylene therephthalate oligomer. ZrO nanoparticle-filled PET materials were obtained, when a heat treatment under low pressure condition was carried out. ZrO nanoparticles were in agglomerate condition in PET matrix. When the ratio of Cl/Zr in the starting precursor increases, particle size increases. From the structural analysis data, it was confirmed that the O/Zr ratio of the particles was almost unity, and its structure is differ from that of zirconia (zirconium oxide). It was also confirmed that the prepared particle had a structure with organic component. The thermal analysis indicated that ZrO-PET nanocomposites had two characteristic exothermic peaks observed on cooling. From the biaxial oriented film of ZrO-PET nanocomposites, an improvement of its tensile elongation break was confirmed.
