Organosilicon-modified PETG/MWCNT nanocomposites with improved rheological, electrical and impact properties

This study investigated the effects of organosilicon modifiers on the rheological, thermal, mechanical and electrical properties of poly (ethylene) terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG) nanocomposites reinforced with multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Three modifiers were synthesized and introduced into a PETG masterbatch containing 10 wt.% MWCNTs using melt extrusion. The modifiers reduced the complex viscosity of the composites, with the strongest effect observed for MOD2, for which the viscosity at 1 Hz decreased from 9.4 × 10 4 Pa·s for the unmodified PETG/MWCNT material to 2.3 × 10 4 Pa·s. Thermal analysis revealed a slight reduction in the start of degradation temperature due to changes in MWCNT dispersion, while the glass transition temperature remained unchanged. Mechanical tests showed improved impact resistance, with values increasing from 10.1 ± 1.16 kJ/m 2 (unmodified) to 22.2 ± 1.71 kJ/m 2 (MOD2). Electrical conductivity also improved significantly, reaching a maximum value of 2.38 ± 0.14 S/m. These improvements are attributed to improved MWCNT dispersion and interactions helped by organosilicon compounds.