The crystallization, thermal and mechanical properties of nano‐Sb2O3 filled poly(butylene terephthalate)

Nano‐Sb2O3 particles were modified by a combination modifier of cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and KH‐560 via the mechanochemical method based on high‐energy ball milling. Then, the testing specimens of the nano‐Sb2O3/PBT composites of differing compositions were prepared by melting blending technology. The crystallization, thermal, and mechanical properties of composites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analyzer, and mechanical performance test. The tensile and impact fracture surfaces of composites were determined by scanning electron microscopy. Besides, the influence of the Sb2O3 nanoparticles surface modification on crystallinity, mechanical properties of the composites, and the interfacial adhesion between nano‐Sb2O3 and PBT was systematically investigated. The results indicate that the main crystalline characteristics of PBT matrix remain unchanged in the nanocomposites. However, the addition of nano‐Sb2O3 particles plays a heterogeneous nucleation and can effectively improve the crystallization of PBT matrix. In addition, the compound modification of the nano‐Sb2O3 can effectively enhance mechanical properties of the composites and interfacial interaction between nano‐Sb2O3 and PBT. The enhanced fracture properties in the nanocomposites were caused by the assisted void formation at the edge of the nano‐Sb2O3 particle. When the nano‐Sb2O3 mass fraction is 3%, the composites show excellent comprehensive performance. The interfacial adhesion parameter B and the half‐debonding angle θ of composites were assessed to quantitatively characterize the interfacial adhesion strength between nano‐Sb2O3 and PBT. Finally, the reinforcement and toughening mechanisms were described. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 26:268–281, 2020. © 2019 Society of Plastics Engineers