Mechanical, thermal, and ultraviolet resistance properties of poly(ether–ester)/cerium oxide (CeO2) composite fibers

Poly(ether–ester)/cerium oxide (CeO2) composites with CeO2 nanoparticles of 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 wt% were prepared from dimethyl terephthalate, 1,4-butanediol, polytetramethylene glycol, and CeO2 nanoparticles by traditional melt polymerization. The Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, tensile strength, thermal stability, aging resistance, ultraviolet resistance, and low-temperature elastic recovery of these composites were characterized. The results indicated that introduction of CeO2 nanoparticles into poly(ether–ester) can enhance the mechanical, thermal, low-temperature elastic recovery properties and ultraviolet resistance of traditional poly(ether–ester). In particular, the incorporation of 2 wt% CeO2 nanoparticles endowed poly(ether–ester) with the best performance in mechanical and low-temperature elastic recovery properties.