Study on the Preparation and Properties of PBT / RGO Nanocomposite via In Situ Polymerization

A novel poly(butylene terephthalate)/reduced graphene oxide (PBT/RGO) nanocomposite was successfully fabricated via in situ polymerization modification using graphene oxide (GO) prepared by the modified Hummer's method as a reinforcing matrix and a self‐synthesized water‐resistant titanium‐based catalyst. A distinct innovation of this work lies in the introduction of RGO to simultaneously regulate polymerization behavior, suppress side reactions, and enhance thermal conductivity and mechanical properties of PBT in one step. The effects of RGO loading on intrinsic viscosity, tetrahydrofuran (THF) content, thermal conductivity, color index, and mechanical performance were systematically investigated. Results demonstrate that the PBT/RGO composite achieves optimal comprehensive properties at a GO dosage of 0.15%. Compared with pure PBT, the intrinsic viscosity reaches 0.89 dL/g, indicating higher molecular weight. THF by‐product is reduced to 6.75%, demonstrating inhibited side reactions and improved atom utilization. Thermal conductivity is enhanced to 0.467 W/(m K). The composite shows excellent color with L = 82.12 and b = 0.23. Tensile and flexural strengths are significantly increased by 80.12% and 51.41%, reaching 47.39 and 73.51 MPa, respectively. This work provides a feasible strategy for high‐performance PBT, showing good potential in industrial production and high‐end applications.