Structure and Properties of Nanocomposites Prepared via the Environmental Crazing of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) in Solutions of Polyelectrolyte Complexes

Abstract

Deformation of amorphous poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) in solutions of polyelectrolyte complexes (PEC) of poly(ethylene glycol) with alkali metal salts (potassium thiocyanate or sodium perchlorate) has occurred via the crazing mechanism and has resulted in the formation of a porous structure being filled with PEC during the drawing. The content of PEC in the nanocomposite has increased with the increase in the draw ratio (up to 55%). The hybrid nanocomposites obtained via the crazing have exhibited anisotropy of surface electroconductivity which has been determined by the structural features of the deformed polymer matrix.