Crystallization and fusion kinetics of Poly(butylene terephthalate)/Titanium Dioxide

Abstract

In this paper, the crystallization, fusion, and activation energy (Ea) of PBT/TiO₂ were thoroughly evaluated using DSC. Increasing the rates shifted the peaks of melt crystallization to lower temperatures while the fusions were almost unaffected. TiO₂ hindered the melt crystallization of PBT and lower crystallization rates, i.e., CMAX and K’ were acquired, in general, the crystallinity degree (Xc) was 4% higher in PBT/TiO₂ which is in the marginal error. Pseudo-Avrami and Mo models were applied to evaluate the melt crystallization kinetics; both fitted the melt crystallization quite well; deviations were observed at the beginning and the crystallization end most due to the nucleation and spherulites impingement during the secondary crystallization. Ea was evaluated using the Friedman model, considering the values of Ea less energy has to be removed from PBT/TiO₂ when compared to PBT, specifically at 1% of TiO₂.

Keywords:
activation energy; kinetics; PBT; phase transition; TiO₂