Abstract: In this paper, nucleation agents were added to PET/PEN blends to improve their crystallization and mechanical properties. The effects of sodium bicarbonate, sodium benzoate, and ethylene methacrylic acid ionomer (Surlyn) on the crystallization and mechanical properties of PET/PEN blends were investigated by Differential Scanning Calorimetry, XRay Diffraction, and torque rheological tests. It showed that all the nucleation agents promoted the nucleation in PET/PEN blends. The crystallization peak temperature was increased nearly 20 ℃ and the crystallization rate was doubled due to the addition of sodium benzoate and Surlyn. With the addition of Surlyn, the mechanical properties of the blend were improved. The ideal nucleation agent for PET/PEN blends was Surlyn.

Key words: nucleation agent, ethylene methacrylic acid ionomer, poly(ethylene terephthalate), poly(ethylene naphthalene-2, 6-dicarboxylate)