Preparing strong, tough, and high-barrier biobased polyester composites by regulating interfaces of carbon nanotubes

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been regarded as ideal functional fillers for enhancing superior mechanical properties of polymer composites. However, the performances of CNTs-based composites are well below the theoretical values, due to the poor dispersion of inert CNTs and weak interfacial interaction with the polymer matrix. Herein, “hydrothermal and in-situ growth” approach is induced to synthesize multiscale TiO₂@CNTs functional fillers. Such the TiO₂@CNTs show excellent dispersibility and strong interfacial bonding with matrix. The biobased TiO₂@CNTs/poly (ethylene furandicarboxylate) (TCP) composite films are prepared via loading a small amount (0.05–0.2 wt%) of TiO₂@CNTs. When the mass content of fillers is 0.2 wt%, TCP composite film exhibits the optimal of strength (80 MPa), Young's modulus (4.12 GPa), and toughness (1.2 MJ/m³). Moreover, the presence of TiO₂ nanoparticles endow the films with excellent oxygen barrier and UV-shielding properties. We believe these composite films promise a spread application potential in high-performance food packing materials.