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Journals / Journal of the Turkish Chemical Society Section A: Chemistry / 2026 / Issue: 2026-1

Enhanced PEG Performance via Functionalized MWCNTs Reinforcement: A Chemical and Thermal Perspective

Sameer Awad(Al-Maarif University College)0000-0002-9194-719X
Eman Khalaf(University of Anbar)0000-0001-7887-6158
Rasha Abdullah(University of Anbar)0000-0001-8198-6796
Ahmed Al-kubaisi(University of Al Maarif)0009-0002-6874-6346
Khalil Mohammed Saeed(University of Anbar)0000-0001-5424-6565
Shaima Jabbar Ali(University of Anbar)0000-0002-4731-9997
Pages
—
Publication Date
2026-02-03
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AI Summary & Key Takeaways

AI Insight
⚡ TL;DR(Too Long; Didn't Read)

Overall, the synergistic effect of MWCNTs significantly improves the thermal, structural, and morphological properties of PEG, making these nanocomposites promising candidates for advanced material applications.

📌 3 Key Takeaways

🎯
Objective & Hypothesis:This study examines the structural, thermal, and morphological characteristics of polyethylene glycol (PEG) reinforced with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (F-MWCNTs) at various concentrations (0.5–1.5 wt.%).
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Key Findings & Data:DSC results revealed a notable rise in glass transition temperature (Tg) and a reduction in melting peak intensity, indicating restricted chain mobility and decreased crystallinity due to MWCNT/PEG interactions.
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Conclusion & Impact:Overall, the synergistic effect of MWCNTs significantly improves the thermal, structural, and morphological properties of PEG, making these nanocomposites promising candidates for advanced material applications.
🔬Design:Research Article
📍Scope:Comprehensive Sample
⚙️Variables:PEG · PEG nanocomposites · MWCNTs

Abstract

This study examines the structural, thermal, and morphological characteristics of polyethylene glycol (PEG) reinforced with functionalized multi-walled carbon nanotubes (F-MWCNTs) at various concentrations (0.5–1.5 wt.%). FTIR analysis verified successful incorporation and interfacial interactions between PEG and functionalised MWCNTs, as evidenced by shifts in –OH and C–O–C vibrational bands, indicating hydrogen bonding. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed enhanced thermal stability of the nanocomposites, with Tonset, Tmax, and Tf values steadily increasing with MWCNT content, alongside higher residual mass, confirming the thermal shielding effect of the nanotubes. DSC results revealed a notable rise in glass transition temperature (Tg) and a reduction in melting peak intensity, indicating restricted chain mobility and decreased crystallinity due to MWCNT/PEG interactions. SEM micrographs displayed a transition from a smooth surface in pure PEG to a rough, textured morphology in the nanocomposites, suggesting better dispersion and interfacial adhesion of MWCNTs within the matrix. XRD patterns corroborated these findings, showing increased crystallinity and distinct MWCNT-related peaks in the composites, with heightened peak intensity at higher filler loadings. Overall, the synergistic effect of MWCNTs significantly improves the thermal, structural, and morphological properties of PEG, making these nanocomposites promising candidates for advanced material applications.

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Cite This Article

Awad, S., Khalaf, E., Abdullah, R., Al-kubaisi, A., Saeed, K. M., Ali, S. J. (2026). Enhanced PEG Performance via Functionalized MWCNTs Reinforcement: A Chemical and Thermal Perspective. Journal of the Turkish Chemical Society Section A: Chemistry, Issue: 2026-1. https://doi.org/10.18596/jotcsa.1780384

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References (50)

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  21. Elgamal HA, Mohamed SA, Farghali AA, Hassan AME. PEG@ carbon nanotubes composite as an effective nanocarrier of ixazomib for myelomacancer therapy. Nanoscale Res Lett [Internet]. 2022 Aug 5;17(1):72. Available from:.
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  23. Alsalmah HA, Rajeh A, Farea MO, Nur O. Synthesis and characterization of PEG/CS-AgNO3 polymer nanocomposites for flexible optoelectronic and energy storage applications. Polym Compos [Internet]. 2024 Apr 20;45(6):5164–75. Available from:.
  24. Al-Dulaymi SAA. Prevention of environmental degradation of epoxy resins modified with the addition of different fillers. [Iraq]: Chemical Science, College of Science; 2019. Available from:.
  25. Karaoğlu E, Deligöz H, Sözeri H, Baykal A, Toprak MS. Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of PEG-Mn3O4 nanocomposite. Nano-Micro Lett [Internet]. 2011 Mar 19;3(1):25–33. Available from:.
  26. Awad SA, Fouad H, Khalaf EM, Saba N, Dhakal HN, Jawaid M, et al. Performance evaluation of calcium alkali-treated oil palm/pineapple fibre/bio-phenolic composites. J Bionic Eng [Internet]. 2022 Sep 11;19(5):1493–503. Available from:.
  27. Awad SA, Jawaid M, Fouad H, Saba N, Dhakal HN, Alothman OY, et al. A comparative assessment of chemical, mechanical, and thermal characteristics of treated oil palm/pineapple fiber/bio phenolic composites. Polym Compos [Internet]. 2022 Apr 8;43(4):2115–28. Available from:.
  28. Jahani A, Nassira H. Polyethylene glycol-based materials: Transformative applications in biomedicine and the food industry. Mater Chem Horizons [Internet]. 2024 Dec 1;3(4):1074. Available from:.
  29. Sarı A, Alkan C, Biçer A. Synthesis and thermal properties of polystyrene-graft-PEG copolymers as new kinds of solid–solid phase change materials for thermal energy storage. Mater Chem Phys [Internet]. 2012 Mar;133(1):87–94. Available from:.
  30. Han S, Li J, Zang J, Ding Q, Yu Z, Lu Y. Effects of cellulose nanofibrils on the mechanical and thermal properties of phase change foams based on polyethylene glycol/cellulose nanofibrils/waterborne polyurethane. Int J Biol Macromol [Internet]. 2025 Jan;287:138655. Available from:.
  31. Fenta EW, Mebratie BA. Advancements in carbon nanotube-polymer composites: Enhancing properties and applications through advanced manufacturing techniques. Heliyon [Internet]. 2024 Aug;10(16):e36490. Available from:.
  32. Shar A, Shar A, Joung D. Carbon nanotube nanocomposite scaffolds: Advances in fabrication and applications for tissue regeneration and cancer therapy. Front Bioeng Biotechnol [Internet]. 2023 Dec 21;11:1299166. Available from:.
  33. Jia Y, Zhou K, Sun W, Ding M, Wang Y, Kong X, et al. Enhancement mechanisms of mechanical, electrical and thermal properties of carbon nanotube-copper composites: A review. J Mater Res Technol [Internet]. 2024 Sep 1;32:1395–415. Available from:.
  34. Yaqoob S, Ali Z, Ali S, D’Amore A. Polystyrene–carbon nanotube composites: Interaction mechanisms, preparation methods, structure, and rheological Properties—A Review. Physchem [Internet]. 2025 Apr 3;5(2):14. Available from:.
  35. Elbakyan L, Zaporotskova I. Polypropylene modified with carbon nanomaterials: Structure, properties and application (A review). Polymers (Basel) [Internet]. 2025 Feb 17;17(4):517. Available from:.
  36. Awad SA, Fellows CM, Mahini SS. Effects of accelerated weathering on the chemical, mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of an epoxy/multi-walled carbon nanotube composite. Polym Test [Internet]. 2018 Apr 1;66:70–7. Available from:.
  37. Ramezani G, Assadpour E, Zhang W, Jafari SM. Carbon nanomaterial-based sensors for smart packaging of food products. Ind Crops Prod [Internet]. 2025 Sep 15;232:121315. Available from:.
  38. Sarmah JK, Ali AA, Saikia R, Dey RR, Dutta RR. Functionalized carbon nanostructures for smart packaging. In: Barhoum A, Deshmukh K, editors. Handbook of Functionalized Carbon Nanostructures [Internet]. Cham: Springer International Publishing; 2024. p. 2463–93. Available from:.
  39. Gaharwar AK, Peppas NA, Khademhosseini A. Nanocomposite hydrogels for biomedical applications. Biotechnol Bioeng [Internet]. 2014 Mar 6;111(3):441–53. Available from:.
  40. Hung HS, Kao WC, Shen CC, Chang KB, Tang CM, Yang MY, et al. Inflammatory modulation of polyethylene glycol-AuNP for regulation of the neural differentiation capacity of mesenchymal stem cells. Cells [Internet]. 2021 Oct 22;10(11):2854. Available from:.
  41. Xu X, Sun Y, Wang W, Ju L, Shu R, Gu H. An overview of polyethylene glycol composite phase change materials: Preparation, physicochemical properties and application. J Energy Storage [Internet]. 2024 Dec 20;104:114581. Available from:.
  42. Checchetto R. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) additive in polymer membranes for carbon dioxide separation: A critical review on performances and correlation with membrane structure. Separations [Internet]. 2025 Mar 16;12(3):71. Available from:.
  43. Liu Z, Robinson JT, Sun X, Dai H. PEGylated nanographene oxide for delivery of water-insoluble cancer drugs. J Am Chem Soc [Internet]. 2008 Aug 1;130(33):10876–7. Available from:.
  44. Jamiri F, Nayeri Fasaei B, Joghataei SM, Yahyaraeyat R, Mazloom-Jalali A. Synergistic antibacterial activity of chitosan-polyethylene glycol nanocomposites films containing ZIF-8 and doxycycline. BMC Biotechnol [Internet]. 2025 Feb 20;25(1):19. Available from:.
  45. Awad SA, Fellows CM, Mahini SS. Evaluation of bisphenol A-based epoxy resin containing multiwalled carbon nanotubes to improve resistance to degradation. J Compos Mater [Internet]. 2019 Sep 3;53(21):2981–91. Available from:.
  46. Elgamal HA, Mohamed SA, Farghali AA, Hassan AME. PEG@ carbon nanotubes composite as an effective nanocarrier of ixazomib for myelomacancer therapy. Nanoscale Res Lett [Internet]. 2022 Aug 5;17(1):72. Available from:.
  47. Gaharwar AK, Rivera C, Wu CJ, Chan BK, Schmidt G. Photocrosslinked nanocomposite hydrogels from PEG and silica nanospheres: Structural, mechanical and cell adhesion characteristics. Mater Sci Eng C [Internet]. 2013 Apr 1;33(3):1800–7. Available from:.
  48. Alsalmah HA, Rajeh A, Farea MO, Nur O. Synthesis and characterization of PEG/CS-AgNO3 polymer nanocomposites for flexible optoelectronic and energy storage applications. Polym Compos [Internet]. 2024 Apr 20;45(6):5164–75. Available from:.
  49. Al-Dulaymi SAA. Prevention of environmental degradation of epoxy resins modified with the addition of different fillers. [Iraq]: Chemical Science, College of Science; 2019. Available from:.
  50. Karaoğlu E, Deligöz H, Sözeri H, Baykal A, Toprak MS. Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of PEG-Mn3O4 nanocomposite. Nano-Micro Lett [Internet]. 2011 Mar 19;3(1):25–33. Available from:.