Recently, graphene and its derivatives have been used to develop polymer composites with improved or multifunctional properties. Exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (GNP) reinforced composite materials based on blend of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), and polypropylene (PP) compatibilized with styrene–ethylene–butylene–styrene‐g‐maleic anhydride is prepared by melt extrusion followed by injection molding. Characterization of the composites' microstructure and morphology was conducted using field emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction analysis (XRD), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Tensile and impact strengths of test specimens were evaluated and the results showed maximum values at 3phr GNP in both the cases. Morphological studies showed that the GNPs were uniformly dispersed within the matrix. Results from XRD analysis showed uniformly dispersed GNPs, which may not have been substantially exfoliated. FTIR spectroscopy did not show any significant change in the peak positions to suggest definitive chemical interaction between GNP and the matrix. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40582.

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This work investigates the effect of HNTs content on the mechanical, thermal and flammability properties of polypropylene grafted maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MAH) compatibilized polyethylene terephthalate/polypropylene (PET/PP) blends. The synthesized composites were characterized after compounding using a twin‐screw extruder and injection‐molding machine. The tensile, flexural and impact strengths values peaked at 2 parts per hundred resin (phr). Thermogravimetric analysis showed a marked improvement in thermal stability of the fabricated composites. A gradual increase in T50 and Tmax with increasing HNTs content was observed. The limiting oxygen index revealed a linear relationship with HNTs content. Transmission electron microscopy images showed uniform dispersion of nanotubes at lower HNTs content and agglomerated structures were formed at higher HNTs content due to inter‐tubular interactions both in face‐to‐face or face‐to‐edge manner. The improvements in thermal stability and flammability are attributed to these interactions. Due to improved mechanical properties and flammability, the fabricated composites have potential applications in automotive industries. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1554–E1564, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers