Maleic anhydride (MA) grafted with poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT)—abbreviated as PTT-g-MA—can be used as a compatibilizing agent to improve the compatibility and dispersion of nanofillers and a dispersed polymer phase into PTT matrix. This work suggests the preparation of PTT-g-MA using a mixture of PTT, MA, and benzoyl peroxide (BPO) by a reactive extrusion process. PTT-g-MA was characterized to confirm the grafting reaction of maleic anhydride on PTT chains by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Thermal properties (differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA)) and rheological analysis (parallel plates rheology) were used to prove the changes that occurred after the graphitization reaction. The reactive processing route allowed the production of the compatibilizing agent (PTT-g-MA) with good thermal properties and with lower viscosity compared to neat PTT, and this could be an alternative for the compatibilization of polymer blends, as example for PTT/ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) blends and nanocomposites based on PTT matrix.

Electronic devices require the use of antistatic packing to prevent electrostatic discharge during their storage or transport. Poly (trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) is a polyester with excellent properties and can be a good candidate for this application. To make this insulating polymer an extrinsic conductor, carbon nanotubes (CNT) can be added to reduce the electrical resistivity of the nanocomposites. In order to facilitate the CNT distribution on polymeric matrix, it was proposed a chemical functionalization using nitric acid for the creation of functional groups on its surface. Moreover, the PTT matrix was modified with a compatibilizer agent based on maleic anhydride grafted PTT (PTT-g-MA), to improve interfacial adhesion between the nanofiller and matrix. In this work, nanocomposites based on PTT/PTT-g-MA/CNT were prepared by extrusion process, with 0.5 wt% and 1.0 wt% of CNT and functionalized CNT. CNT was characterized by stability dispersion in water, Raman spectroscopy, FTIR and XPS analysis, which prove the success of functionalization. The nanocomposites were evaluated by thermal analysis, tensile tests, electrical conductivity, and morphological analysis. The CNT functionalization and the addition of PTT-g-MA increased the dispersion and distribution of CNT in the PTT matrix. The electrical properties show that this material can be used as an antistatic packaging.

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Recycling graphite waste can bring economic offers and environmental protection. This study investigates the use of recycled graphite (RG) from aerospace sector components as an antistatic agent. Mechanical, thermal, and electrical properties of poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT)/RG composites are investigated to develop a composite with suitable characteristics for antistatic packaging applications. First, the RG is purified by thermal treatment to eliminate any impurities and residual oils, and the purified recycled graphite (PRG) is characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Then, the PRG is used as an antistatic filler and added in different concentrations in the PTT matrix by melt processing using an extruder. The compatibilizer agent maleic anhydride grafted PTT (PTT‐g‐MA) is added to the system to improve filler interaction and distribution into the matrix. Thus, the addition of different contents of PRG (1, 3, 5, 10, and 20 wt%) with and without compatibilizer agent (2:1, PRG:PTT‐g‐MA) in the PTT matrix is investigated by thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties. The addition of 10 wt% of PRG in the PTT decreases eight decades in the electrical resistivity compared to neat PTT, being suitable for application as antistatic packaging.