Study and Analysis of Gas Barrier Properties of 2D WS2 (Tungsten Disulfide) Nanosheets based PET (Polyethylene-terephthalate) Membranes

Abstract

Science and technology never stop to flourish for ease of human being. Packages materials are very important and frequently used product. Passing time brings different type of issues. An issue is reported worldwide, leakage of Carbon Dioxide gas through voids of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalate) bottles in beverages industry. Advancement of science and technology drove researchers to work for advance materials, 2D nanomaterials have splendid properties which can be helpful to get through this industrial issue. Variety of layered structures materials are available on planet earth as a gift of nature. Tungsten Disulfide (WS2) is a novel material with splendid properties to build barrier for gas. 2D nanosheets of WS2 can be incorporated in polymer to overcome gas leakage. Different scientific approaches are applied in laboratories and process industries to get desired form of a materials. Synthesis of 2D materials have different methods. In this study 2D nanosheets were synthesized by Liquid Phase Exfoliation. Which were incorporated in industrial PET by using TIPS (Temperature Induced Phase Separation) method. Different samples were prepared on the basis of variation in two factors, Centrifuge RPM and loading of nanosheets (weight percent). Nanosheets were synthesized on three different values of centrifuge RPM 500, 750 and 1000 RPM. Nanocomposites were prepared with four different values of filler loading 0.0024, 0.005, 0.01 and 0.02 weight percent. 700 RPM and 0.01 weight percent of filler appeared to be the best value after comparison of results. Thin films of PET/WS2 nanosheets were tested by gas permeation testing unit, remarkable reduction in CO2 was observed. Experimental findings were compared to theoretical models, it was discovered that the Cussler model came the closest to our experimental findings. SEM, XRD and AFM techniques were used to authenticate the study. Morphology and porosity were confirmed by SEM, for analytical measurements AFM technique was used and XRD proved the crystallinity of nanosheets and presence of nanosheets in polymer structure