Exfoliation and dispersion of micrometer-sized LDH particles in poly(ethylene terephthalate) and their nanocomposite thermal stability

Effect of surface modification on exfoliation and dispersion of micrometer-sized layered double hydroxide (LDH) in poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) and the thermal stability of the resultant PET/LDH nanocomposites or composite have been studied. First, large micrometer-sized LDH with carbonate anions was prepared by urea hydrolysis method. Then, various anions including nitrate (NO3−), dodecyl sulfate (DS−) or dodecyl benzene sulphonate (DBS−) were intercalated into the interlayer space via anion exchange reaction. By solution intercalation process, PET/LDH_DS and PET/LDH_DBS nanocomposites were successfully obtained, while the LDH_NO3 could not be exfoliated enough in the PET matrix. Finally, the thermal stabilities of the PET/LDH nanocomposites or composite were investigated.

► Micrometer-sized LDH in lateral size was exfoliated and dispersed in PET matrix.
► Effect of surface modification of LDH was studied.
► PET/LDH nanocomposites were successfully prepared by solution intercalation.
► The thermal stabilities of PET/LDH nanocomposites or composite were investigated.