Investigation on microstructural behavior of styroflex/polyaniline blends by WAXS

Styroflex/polyaniline (STF/PAni) blends were prepared by two routes namely by in situ and thermo mechanical processing method with various PAni compositions, namely, 0, 15, 30, and 45 wt %. The influence of volume fraction of PAni in the blends and synthetic routes of the STF/PAni blends on the volume resistivity and microcrystalline parameters have been investigated. The microcrystalline parameters such as the nanocrystal size (<N>), lattice disorder (g), interplanar distance (d_hkl), width of the crystallite size distribution, surface weighted crystal size (D_s), and crystallite area were evaluated from the wide angle X‐ray scattering profiles. The different asymmetric column length distribution functions namely, exponential, reinhold, and lognormal distribution methods were employed to probe the microcrystalline behavior of the STF/PAni blends and the results are compared. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Improvement of microwave absorption for PAni/HA/TiO2/Fe3O4 nanocomposite after chemical treatment

In order to obtain efficient microwave absorbers that possess high conductivity, dielectric and magnetic properties, hexanoic acid doped polyaniline (PAni) nanocomposites which contain different ratios of ferum (II) oxide (Fe₃O₄) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles were successfully prepared by in situ chemical polymerization through template free method. Chemical structure, conductivity, morphology, thermal stability, magnetic properties, and amorphous/crystalline behavior of PAni nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), four point probe, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), vibrating samples magnetometer (VSM), and X‐ray diffractometer (XRD), respectively. From this study, conductivity was significantly improved from 8.48 × 10⁻⁴−1.23 × 10⁻² S/cm for PAni nanocomposites without any chemical treatment (during addition of Fe₃O₄) to 3.58 × 10⁻²−4.77 × 10⁻² S/cm for those with chemical treatment. PAni nanocomposites with chemical treatment show a narrow sharp reflection loss (RL) peak with high absorption (−48.9 dB) at lower frequency due to the limited individual Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles outside the nanorods/nanotubes as proved by the new proposed mechanism (Fig. 5 ), while it shows a broad RL peak with poor absorption (−13 dB) at higher frequency for those without chemical treatment. The novelty of this research has been focused on PAni with chemical treatment which yield better microwave absorption property (99.999% absorption), combination of high conductivity (3.58 × 10⁻²−4.77 × 10⁻² S/cm), high heterogeneity and moderate magnetization (Ms = 8.87–28.49 emu/g) compare to the PAni without chemical treatment. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:1186–1194, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

A study on the synthesis,characterization and properties of polyaniline/magnesium boride nanocomposites

The present paper reports the novel synthesis of polyaniline/magnesium boride (PAni/MgB₂) nanocomposites. Nanowires 50–100 nm in diameter grown by the sol–gel technique were incorporated in the PAni to prepare PAni/MgB₂ nanocomposites, which yielded an enhancement of conductivity by 5 orders of magnitude. PAni was synthesized through the chemical oxidative polymerization method. The composition of the prepared nanocomposites was tunable, i.e. the amount of dopant was varied and the effects on various parameters were observed by different techniques. The morphology of PAni/MgB₂ nanocomposites was determined using SEM. The temperature dependence of the conductivity of all composites was measured in the temperature range 300–450 K and it was observed that samples having a high concentration of MgB₂ show the highest conductivity. The molecular structure of the nanocomposites was further characterized by Fourier Transform IR spectroscopy which showed small structural changes in the backbone of PAni. I?V measurements showed that the current increases on increasing MgB₂ content. UV?visible spectra exposed the occurrence of an indirect optical transition in the composite. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

Morphology studies of doped polyaniline micro/nanocomposites containing TiO2 nanoparticles and Fe3O4 microparticles

To produce polyaniline (PAni) nanodevices that display excellent microwave absorbing behaviors, novel hexanoic acid-doped PAni micro/nanocomposites containing TiO₂ nanoparticles and Fe₃O₄ microparticles (PAni/HA/TiO₂/Fe₃O₄) were prepared by template-free method, particularly to improve the dielectric and magnetic property of PAni. PAni/HA/TiO₂/Fe₃O₄ synthesized at different polymerization temperatures and polymerization time by various TiO₂ and Fe₃O₄ contents, and particles size of TiO₂ were prepared. The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of synthesis condition on the morphology behaviors of nanorods/tubes. The resulted nanorods/tubes indicated that PAni micro/nanocomposites exhibited polymerization through elongation. PAni micro/nanocomposites synthesized at 0°C resulted in large amounts of nanorods/tubes compared with those synthesized at subzero temperature and above 0°C. PAni/HA/TiO₂ and PAni/HA/TiO₂/Fe₃O₄ synthesized using TiO₂ with diameter (particles size) 180 nm resulted in large amounts of nanorods/tubes (diameter nanorods/tubes = 80–140 nm) compared with those synthesized using TiO₂ with diameter of 30 and 6 nm. Increasing TiO₂ and Fe₃O₄ content above 10% will significantly reduce the amount of nanorods/tubes. In conclusion, synthesis parameters mentioned above are the significant factors that might affect the morphology behaviors of PAni nanostructures. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Polyaniline nanofibers for In situ MAO‐catalyzed polymerization of ethylene

In this work electro‐conductive polyaniline nanofibers (PAni‐nanofibers) were prepared via interfacial methodology. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observations revealed that the synthesized PAni‐nanofibers present high aspect ratio with an average diameter of 80 nm, while they exhibit high conductivity (DC conductivity values: 4.19 ± 0.21 S cm^?1). After specific treatment to remove moisture and remaining trapped HCl from PAni‐nanofibers, it was possible to prepare promising polyethylene (PE)/PAni composites by in situ polymerization of ethylene using bis(cyclopentadienyl) zirconium(IV) dichloride (Cp₂ZrCl₂) and methylaluminoxane (MAO) as catalytic system. More precisely, various contents of PAni‐nanofibers (from 0.2 to 7 wt %) were successfully incorporated in the in situ produced PE/PAni nanocomposites. PAni‐nanofibers were found to affect significantly the crystallization of the polyolefinic matrix while preserving its thermal stability. Preliminary measurements of electric properties showed PAni‐nanofibres are able to bring electro‐conductive properties to the in situ polymerized PE/PAni composites. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 41197.     

Conducting polyaniline‐titanium dioxide nanocomposites prepared by inverted emulsion polymerization

Conducting polyaniline (PAni)‐titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanocomposites have been synthesized by the inverted emulsion polymerization method. Aqueous mixtures of aniline, a free‐radical oxidant, and/or TiO₂ nanoparticles (∼25 nm in diameter; mixture of anatase and rutile) are utilized to synthesize the hybrid nanocomposites. The polymerization is carried out in an organic solvent (chloroform, CHCl₃) in the presence of a protonic acid (hydrochloric acid, HCl) as a dopant and an emulsifier (cetyl trimethylammonium bromide). The resultant PAni‐TiO₂ nanocomposites are characterized with their structural, morphological, conducting, and optical properties. SEM and TEM images represent the PAni‐TiO₂ nanocomposites with the diameter range of 50–200 nm. Electrical conductivities are checked by standard four‐point probes method and found to be 0.38 S/cm for bulk PAni and 0.11 S/cm for PAni‐TiO₂ nanocomposites. UV–visible absorption shows two electronic bands at about 320 and 596 nm for bulk PAni and the blue‐shifted bands with the intensity changes due to the formation of PAni‐TiO₂ composites. Thermogravimetric analysis reveals that the composites have a higher degradation temperature than the PAni alone. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Mechanical properties and morphologies of polypropylene composites synergistically filled by styrene‐butadiene rubber and silica nanoparticles

The mechanical properties and morphologies of PP/SBR/SiO₂ nanocomposites have been studied using mechanical testing, wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), polarizing optical microscopy (POM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The mechanical properties of neat polypropylene can be considerably improved by synergistically filling with SiO₂ and SBR nanoparticles, especially for the notched Izod impact strength. The results from the WAXD, POM, SEM, DSC, and TGA measurements reveal that: (i) the β‐phase crystal structure of PP is formed when SiO₂ and SBR nanoparticles are synergistically filled with polypropylene and its formation plays a role for the enhancement of the impact strength for PP/SBR/SiO₂ nanocomposites; (ii) the dispersion of SiO₂ and SBR nanoparticles in PP/SBR/SiO₂ composites is homogeneous, indicating that synergistic incorporating method decreases the aggregation of nanoparticles and thus increases the sites for dissipation of shock for impact energy in PP/SBR/SiO₂ nanocomposites; (iii) the thermal analysis shows high thermal stability for the PP/SBR/SiO₂ nanocomposites. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Organic–inorganic hybrid boron‐containing phenol–formaldehyde resin/SiO2 nanocomposites

The organic–inorganic hybrid boron‐containing phenol–formaldehyde (BPFR) resin/SiO₂ nanocomposites was synthesized in‐situ from boric acid, phenol, and tetramethoxysilane. The structure of BPFR modified and the distributions of silicon element were studied by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry, and transmission electron microscope, respectively. The glass transition temperature (T_g) was determined by torsional braid analysis. The results show that silicon element distribution is homogeneous, and the size of nanosilica is about 40–60 nm. The thermal stability and kinetics parameters of thermal degradation were determined by thermogravimetry analysis (TGA). TGA results show that the resin modified has higher heat resistance property when the additive quantity of SiO₂ was 3 wt%. The temperature of 5% weight loss is 487.7°C, which is 12.4°C higher than that of common BPFR. The residual ratio of 3 wt% SiO₂/BPFR was 62.3% at the temperature of 900°C, which is 11.2% higher than that of common BPFR. The mechanics loss peak T_p of 3% SiO₂/BPFR is 33°C higher than common BPFR. Fiberglass‐reinforced BPFR modified by 3 wt% SiO₂ has better mechanical and dielectric properties than that of common BPFR. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Synthesis and characterization of conducting polyaniline‐activated carbon nanocomposites

Conducting polyaniline (PAni)/activated carbon (AC) nanocomposites were synthesized by the in situ chemical polymerization method. The resultant shell–core PAni–AC nanocomposites were characterized by elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared, scanning electron microscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. We did not observe any significant chemical interaction between the PAni and AC, only core–shell coupling between the AC and the tightly coated polymer chain was revealed. Measurement of the physical properties showed that the incorporation of conducting PAni on to AC particles during chemical synthesis increased electrical conductivity and thermal stability by several orders of magnitude to that of the pristine PAni powders. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 1973–1977, 2007     

Thermal and mechanical properties of melt processed intercalated poly(methyl methacrylate)–organoclay nanocomposites over a wide range of filler loading

BACKGROUND: Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)–organoclay nanocomposites with octadecylammonium ion‐modified montmorillonite, prepared via melt processing, over a wide range of filler loading (2–16 wt%) were investigated in detail. These hybrids were characterized for their dispersion structure, and thermal and mechanical properties, such as tensile modulus (E), break stress (σ_brk), percent break strain (ε_brk) and ductility (J), using wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and tensile and impact tests. RESULTS: Intercalated nanocomposites were formed even in the presence of 16 wt% clay (high loading) in PMMA matrix. PMMA intercalated into the galleries of the organically modified clay, with a change in d‐spacing in the range 11–16 Å. TGA results showed improved thermal stability of the nanocomposites. The glass transition temperature (T_g) of the nanocomposites, from DSC measurements, was 2–3 °C higher than that of PMMA. The ultimate tensile strength and impact strength decreased with increasing clay fraction. Tensile modulus for the nanocomposites increased by a significant amount (113%) at the highest level of clay fraction (16 wt%) studied. CONCLUSION: We show for the first time the formation of intercalated PMMA nanocomposites with alkylammonium‐modified clays at high clay loadings (>15 wt%). Tensile modulus increases linearly with clay fraction, and the enhancement in modulus is significant. A linear correlation between tensile strength and strain‐at‐break is shown. Thermal properties are not affected appreciably. Organoclay can be dispersed well even at high clay fractions to form nanocomposites with superior bulk properties of practical interest. Copyright © 2007 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis and characterization of ethylene vinyl‐acetate/polyaniline blends prepared by emulsion polymerization technique

A series of ethylene vinyl acetate‐polyaniline (98/02, 95/05, 93/07, … … 50/50) (EVA‐PAni) blends were prepared by the emulsion polymerization technique and made into sheets by the compression molding at 150°C. These sheets were characterized by electrical, physico‐mechanical, thermal, X‐ray and morphological studies. All electrical properties of EVA‐(PAni)_TSA blends increased with an increase in PAni content. The conductivity, dielectric constant and tan δ values increased from 1.34 × 10^?14 to 2.89 × 10^?2 S/cm, from 2.113 to 19.845, from 0.094 to 4.789. Tensile strength increased with an increase in PAni content up to 7% and drastically decreased above 15%, while the percentage elongation at break decreased with an increase in PAni content. TGA studies revealed that the thermal stability of PAni improved after blending with EVA. EVA‐PAni blends were found stable up to 110°C. X‐ray diffractograms of EVA‐PAni blend showed an intense peak at 26° (2θ), reflecting the influence of EVA crystallinity. Scanning electron micrographs confirmed the two‐phase morphology of the system.     

Kinetics of thermal degradation of nanometer calcium carbonate/linear low‐density polyethylene nanocomposites

To improve the thermal properties of linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE), the CaCO₃/LLDPE nanocomposites were prepared from nanometer calcium carbonate (nano‐CaCO₃) and LLDPE by melt‐blending method. A series of testing methods such as thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), differential thermogravimetry analysis, Kim‐Park method, and Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa method were used to characterize the thermal property of CaCO₃/LLDPE nanocomposites. The results showed that the CaCO₃/LLDPE nanocomposites have only one‐stage thermal degradation process. The initial thermal degradation temperature T₀ increasing with nano‐CaDO₃ content, and stability of LLDPE change better. The thermal degradation activation energy (E_a) is different for different nano‐CaCO₃ content. When the mass fraction of nano‐CaCO₃ in nanocomposites is up to 10 wt %, the nanocomposite has the highest thermal degradation E_a, which is higher (28 kJ/mol) than pure LLDPE. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Mg Doped Copper Ferrite with Polyaniline Matrix Core–Shell Ternary Nanocomposite for Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

Electromagnetic interference shielding materials based on polyaniline/Mg_0.6Cu_0.4Fe₂O₄ ternary nanocomposites were prepared using in situ chemical oxidation polymerization method. The crystalline, structural and morphology analyses of the synthesized material were studied by X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM). The nanocomposites were examined by UV–Vis spectroscopy (UV–Vis), four probe resistivity, vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and vector network analyzer (VNA) for the optical, electrical, thermal, magnetic and shielding properties. XRD, FTIR and UV–Vis spectra analyses confirmed the formation of ferrites and polyaniline phases in the composites. The particle sizes of Mg_0.6Cu_0.4Fe₂O₄ are lying in the range of 15–40 nm verified by the HR-TEM. VSM study proved the presence of magnetic nanoparticles in the polyaniline matrix. TGA results revealed that the mixing of ferrites particles in polyaniline has improved its thermal stability. The nanocomposites are showing the significant shielding effectiveness value up to 32.8 dB in the X-band frequency range which makes them potential shielding material for electromagnetic interference shielding applications due to lightweight, good processability and low cost.     

Preparation and characterization of carbon nanofiber reinforced thermoplastic polyurethane nanocomposites

The effect of CNFs on hard and soft segments of TPU matrix was evaluated using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscope. The dispersion and distribution of the CNFs in the TPU matrix were investigated through wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), polarizing optical microscope (POM), and atomic force microscope (AFM). The thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that the inclusion of CNF improved the thermal stability of virgin TPU. The glass transition temperature (T_g), crystallization, and melting behaviors of the TPU matrix in the presence of dispersed CNF were observed by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The dynamic viscoelastic behavior of the nanocomposites was studied by dynamical mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and substantial improvement in storage modulus (E') was achieved with the addition of CNF to TPU matrix. The rheological behavior of TPU nanocomposites were tested by rubber processing analyzer (RPA) in dynamic frequency sweep and the storage modulus (G') of the nanocomposites was enhanced with increase in CNF loading. The dielectric properties of the nanocomposites exhibited significant improvement with incorporation of CNF. The TPU matrix exhibits remarkable improvement of mechanical properties with addition of CNF. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Property investigation of polypropylene/multiwall carbon nanotube nanocomposites prepared via in situ polymerization

In this study, polypropylene/carbon nanotube nanocomposites were prepared via in situ polymerization using a bi‐supported Ziegler ? Natta catalytic system. In this system, magnesium ethoxide and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are jointly used as catalyst supports. SEM images reveal the distribution and quite good dispersion of MWCNTs throughout the polypropylene (PP) matrix. The thermal properties of the samples were examined using DSC and TGA tests. The results show that the crystallization temperature of the nanocomposites significantly increases while the melting point is not markedly affected. In addition, the thermal stability is improved. The melt rheological properties of PP/MWCNT nanocomposites in the linear and nonlinear viscoelastic response regions were studied. An increment of the complex viscosity (η^*), storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G′′) and a decrement of the loss factor (tan δ) compared with neat PP are observed. Steady shear flow experiments show an increase in shear viscosity with increasing the MWCNT content. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

Preparation of polyaniline/TiO2 nanocomposite film with good adhesion behavior for dye‐sensitized solar cell application

In this study, novel Polyaniline (PAni)/TiO₂ nanocomposites were applied on fluoride‐doped tin oxide (FTO) glass to act as an efficient counter electrode in dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC) application. PAni/TiO₂ nanocomposites were synthesized via chemical oxidation process using di‐2‐ethylhexylsulfosuccinate sodium salt (NaDEHS) as dopant. The nanocomposites were characterized using fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet‐visible spectrometers. In the application of PAni as the counter electrode in the solar cell, the film showed poor adhesion on the FTO glass. Palm oil‐based alkyd was introduced into the nanocomposite mixture to improve the adhesion of the film. The findings in the work show that strong adhesion of PAni on FTO glasses has led to higher incident photon to current conversion efficiency (IPCE) in solar cell. The short circuit current (Jsc), Voc (open circuit voltage), and IPCE of the resulted PAni/TiO₂ counter electrode with good adhesion in DSSC are 15.8 mA/cm², 670 mV, and 3.0%, respectively. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:1884–1891, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Microwave absorption property of polyaniline nanocomposites containing TiO2 and Fe3O4 nanoparticles after FeCl36H2O treatment

It is important to manipulate the synthesis parameters or additives used in order to produce conducting polymer such as polyaniline (PAni) with moderate conductivity, magnetic and dielectric properties that could enhance its microwave absorbing and shielding properties. In this communication, novel PAni/HA/TiO₂/Fe₃O₄ nanomaterials with different Fe₃O₄ contents were prepared by template‐free method by using TiO₂ and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles as dielectric filler and magnetic filler, respectively. Before addition of ammonium peroxydisulfate (APS) for polymerization, Fe₃O₄ aqueous solution was treated with FeCl₃6H₂O in order to disperse well the Fe₃O₄ in the mixture. The result shows that better dispersion of Fe₃O₄ in the mixture by FeCl₃6H₂O treatment could significantly improve the conductivity of the nanocomposites and also activate the formation of nanorods/tubes. Moreover, PAni/HA/TiO₂/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites treated with FeCl₃6H₂O show better microwave absorption (99.950–99.999% absorption) compared with PAni/HA/TiO₂/Fe₃O₄ micro/nanocomposites (67.0− 99.4% absorption) without treatment in frequency range of 10–13 GHz. Among the prepared PAni/HA/TiO₂/Fe₃O₄ micro/nanocomposites and nanocomposites, PAni/HA/TiO₂/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposite (treated with FeCl₃6H₂O) with 40% Fe₃O₄ exhibit the best microwave absorption (99.999% absorption at 10 GHz) because of its high conductivity, high heterogeneity and moderate magnetization. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Improvement of conductivity of electrochemically synthesized polyaniline

The electrochemical polymerization of aqueous solution of aniline and HCl was carried out in a single compartment electrochemical cell. After 2 h of the polymerization reaction, polarity of the electrodes was reversed and kept for 1 h. By this process the conductivity of the polyaniline (PAni) formed was found to increase dramatically from 1.1 × 10^?4 to 3.0 × 10^?1 S/cm. The PAni samples obtained both by reversing the polarity (“PANI‐R”) and without reversing the polarity (“PANI”) were characterized by the infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), ultraviolet spectroscopy (UV), Hall effect experiment, X‐ray analysis (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The results show that the increase in the conductivity of PAni through the reversion of polarity is due to the partial reduction of over oxidized sample giving more emeraldine base and hence more polaron formation with increased charge carrier density and its mobility. The degree of crystallinity and the crystallite size is decreased marginally and the d‐spacing is increased marginally due to this reduction. The PAni behaves like a p‐type semiconductor that means the majority current carriers are holes. A plausible reduction mechanism due to reversal of polarity during electrochemical polymerization is also proposed. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2008     

Synthesis and characterizations of poly(α‐naphthylamine)—Nanocomposites

Poly(α‐naphthylamine) (PNA)—natural clay nanocomposites were prepared by in situ polymerization method through oxidative initiation method. Effect of nanoclay on the rate of polymerization (R_p) of Naphthylamine (NA), thermal stability of PNA, and conductivity of PNA were tested. Effect of nanoclay on the morphology of PNA was also tested. The TGA results inferred that the % weight residue remain above 700°C was increased with the increase of amount of clay. XRD results confirmed the intercalation of PNA into the basal spacing of natural clay. TEM showed the presence of nanosized particle in the PNA‐natural clay nanocomposites. The conductivity value of polymer‐nanocomposite has increased with the increase of amount of natural clay. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Influence of nanozirconia on the thermal stability of poly(methyl methacrylate) prepared by in situ bulk polymerization

Nanozirconia (nano‐ZrO₂) was prepared by the sol–gel method and incorporated into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) by the in situ bulk polymerization of methyl methacrylate. The structure of the nano‐ZrO₂ was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The structure of the nano‐ZrO₂ nanocomposites were studied by differential scanning calorimetry, FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, and scanning electron microscopy, and the results show that there were interactions between the nanoparticles and the polymer. The influence of the nano‐ZrO₂ on the thermal stability of PMMA was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results indicate that nano‐ZrO₂ enhanced the thermal stability of the PMMA/nano‐ZrO₂ nanocomposites. The effects of the heating rate in dynamic measurements (5–30°C/min) on kinetic parameters such as apparent activation energy (E_a) in TGA both in nitrogen and air were investigated. The Kissinger method was used to determine E_a for the degradation of pure PMMA and the PMMA/nano‐ZrO₂ nanocomposites. The kinetic results show that the values of E_a for the degradation of the nanocomposites were higher than that of pure PMMA in air. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010