Characterization of nanocomposits based on Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) containing reduced graphene oxide for application in antistatic packaging

Abstract

Package for electronic components is one that protects an electronic or electrical device against electrostatic discharge. Traditionally, antistatic packages are produced with polystyrene (PS) or polypropylene (PP) filled with carbon black. Recently studies have been carried out, with successfully, for the application of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) filled with carbon for this purpose. This work aimed to obtain and characterize nanocomposites based on PET filled with reduced graphene oxide and compare its physicochemical properties with PET filled with carbon black and PP filled with carbon black used in anti-static packaging. PET compounds containing 0.1; 0.3; 0.5 and 0.7wt% reduced graphene oxide, obtained by the modified Hummers process from the graphite and reduced with hydrazine. The thermomechanical, electrical and morphological properties of the obtained compounds were determined. The results showed that the addition of reduced graphene oxide to PET causes an increase in the melt flow index, also increase the tensile strength and electrical conductivity. The addition of reduced graphene oxide promotes the decrease in the hardness and thermal resistance of the obtained nanocomposites. Nanocomposites based on PET containing 0.5wt% and 0.7wt% reduced graphene oxide can be used in the handling, transport and storage of electronic components since their mechanical, thermal and resistivity properties are satisfactory for this purpose.