Effect of neodymium‐doped titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the structural,mechanical, and electrical properties of poly(butyl methacrylate) nanocomposites

Nanocomposites based on neodymium‐doped titanium dioxide (Nd‐TiO₂)/poly(n‐butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) have been prepared by an in situ polymerization of butyl methacrylate monomer with varying concentrations of Nd‐TiO₂ nanoparticles. The resulting nanocomposites have been analyzed by ultraviolet (UV)–Visible spectroscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscope (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis, and impedance analyzer (TGA). The results of UV and FTIR spectroscopy have indicated the interaction of nanoparticles with the PBMA matrix. Spherically shaped nanoparticles with an average size of 10–25 nm have been revealed in the TEM and their homogeneous dispersion, and interaction of polymer matrix has been confirmed by SEM and XRD studies. The thermal stability and glass transition temperature of the composites were significantly enhanced by the addition of nanoparticles. The AC conductivity and dielectric properties of nanocomposites have been found to be higher than pure PBMA, and the maximum electrical properties have been observed for 7 wt% composite. The reinforcing nature of the nanoparticles in PBMA has been reflected in the improvement in tensile strength measurements. The result indicated that the tensile strength of nanocomposites have greatly enhanced by the addition of Nd‐TiO₂ nanoparticles whereas the elongation at break decreases with the loading of nanofillers. To understand the mechanism of reinforcement, tensile strength values have been correlated with various theoretical modeling. The research has been found to be promising in the development of novel materials with enhanced tensile strength, dielectric constant, and thermal properties, which may find potential applications in energy storage and nanoelectronic devices. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 25:9–18, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Synthesis,characterization, and properties of new conducting polyaniline/copper sulfide nanocomposites

This article reports the facile synthesis of copper sulfide (CuS)/polyaniline (PANI) nanocomposites by in situ polymerization. The composites were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV–visible and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). SEM analysis showed that the metal sulfide nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed in the polymer matrix. The characteristic peaks in FTIR and UV–vis spectra of PANI were found to be shifted to higher wave numbers in PANI/CuS composite, which is attributed to the interaction of CuS nanoparticles with PANI chain. XRD pattern revealed the structurally ordered arrangement of polymer composite and this regularity increases with increase in concentration of nanoparticles. Glass transition temperature of the nanocomposite increased with increase in the concentration of nanoparticles and it indicated the ordered arrangement of the polymer composite than PANI. TGA studies indicated excellent thermal stability of polymer nanocomposite. The electrical properties of nanocomposites were studied from direct current and alternating current resistivity measurement. Conductivity, dielectric constant, and dissipation factor of the nanocomposite were significantly increased with the increase in CuS content in the nanocomposite. The enhancement of these properties suggests that the proposed PANI/CuS nanocomposites can be used as multifunctional materials for nanoelectronic devices. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:438–445, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Fabrication,Characterization and Dielectric Studies of NBR/Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposites

Nitrile rubber (NBR) based nanocomposite consists of different concentrations of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA) were prepared and characterized by FTIR, UV and X-ray diffraction studies. The surface morphology of the nanocomposites were analyzed using SEM and optical microscopy. The glass transition temperature and thermal stability of NBR and its nanocomposites were done by DSC and TGA respectively. The electrical properties such as AC conductivity, dielectric constant and dielectric loss tangent were investigated in the frequency range of 10²–10⁶ Hz at room temperature. The FTIR spectra confirmed the interfacial interaction between NBR and the HA nanoparticles. The shift in the UV peak with broadness of composite indicates the formation of nanoparticles within the macromolecular chain of NBR. XRD pattern ascertained the ordered arrangement of nanoparticles with a decrease in the amorphous nature of parent polymer. Both the glass transition temperature and the thermal stability of the nanocomposites were higher than pure NBR and the glass transition temperature improved with the increase in concentration of nanoparticles in NBR composite indicating the strong interfacial adhesion between the polymer and nanoparticles. From DSC studies, thermodynamic parameters such as enthalpy and entropy change of the composites were also evaluated. AC conductivity of the nanocomposite was much greater than NBR and the magnitude of conductivity enhanced with the addition of nanoparticles. The observed enhancement in dielectric constant and dielectric loss tangent of composite with the increase in concentration of nanoparticle was attributed to the increase in number of interfacial interaction between the polymer and the nanoparticles.     

Synthesis,characterization, and properties of cashew gum graft poly(acrylamide)/magnetite nanocomposites

Graft copolymer nanocomposites based on cashew gum and poly(acrylamide) with different concentrations of nano‐iron‐oxide particles (Fe₃O₄) have been prepared by an in situ polymerization method. The characterization of graft copolymer composite was carried out by FTIR, UV, XRD, SEM, DSC, and TGA, electrical conductivity, and magnetic property [vibrational sample magnetometer (VSM)] measurements. The shift in the spectrum of UV and FTIR peaks shows the intermolecular interaction between metal oxide nanoparticles and the graft copolymer system. The spherically shaped particles observed from the SEM images clearly indicating the uniform dispersion of nanoparticles within the graft copolymer chain. The XRD studies revealed that the amorphous nature of the graft copolymer decreases by the addition of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The glass transition temperature studied from DSC increases with increase in concentration of metal oxide nanoparticles. Thermal stability of composite was higher than the pure graft copolymer and thermal stability increases with increase in content of nanoparticles. Electrical properties such as AC conductivity and dielectric properties of the composites increased with increase in concentration of metal oxide nanoparticles. The magnetic property of graft copolymer nanocomposites shows ferromagnetic and supermagnetism and the saturation of magnetism linearly increased with increasing the Fe₃O₄ content in the polymer composite. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43496.     

Poly(amide‐imide)/organoclay nanocomposites using glycine as a natural amino acid: study on fire and thermal behavior

In the present study, new functional poly(amide‐imide)/organoclay nanocomposite films were successfully fabricated through the solution intercalation technique. New poly(amide‐imide) (PAI) containing glycine was synthesized via solution polycondensation of 1,1',3,3'‐tetraoxo(5,5'‐biisoindoline‐2,2'‐diyl)diacetic acid with 4,4′‐diaminodiphenylsulfone. The synthesized PAI was characterized by ¹H NMR, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, elemental analysis and inherent viscosity. Then, PAI/organoclay nanocomposite films containing 4 and 8 wt% of organoclay were prepared via solution intercalation through blending of organoclay 30B with the PAI solution. The nanostructures and properties of the PAI/organoclay were investigated using FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), TGA, DSC and microscale combustion calorimetry. XRD and TEM revealed the good dispersion of organoclay in the polymer matrix. TGA indicated that the addition of organoclay into the PAI matrix increases the thermal decomposition temperatures and char yields of the nanocomposites. Organoclay shows a positive effect in improving the flame retardancy of the PAI, reflecting the decrease in heat release rate, the total heat release and the heat release capacity of the PAI nanocomposites, while the thermal stability of the PAI nanocomposites only increased slightly compared with the neat polymer. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis,characterization, and conductivity studies of polypyrrole/copper sulfide nanocomposites

Nanocomposites of polypyrrole (PPy) containing copper sulfide (CuS) were synthesized by an in situ chemical oxidative polymerization. The nanocomposites were characterized by FTIR, SEM, XRD, DSC, TGA, and conductivity studies. The FTIR spectra ascertained the chemical interlinking of polypyrole with metal sulfide nanoparticles. Morphological analysis showed that the nanoparticles were uniformly covering the entire substrate. The XRD pattern reveals that the nanoparticle incorporated polypyrrole showed a crystalline nature and the crystallinity of the polymer increases with increase in concentration of CuS nanoparticles. From DSC, an increase in glass transition temperature shows the increased orderness in the polymer composite than in the pure polypyrrole. Thermal analysis (TGA) of the composite showed a progressive increase in the thermal stability with increase in content of CuS. The frequency dependent electrical properties (a.c. conductivity) of the nanocomposites were higher than that of polypyrrole. The d.c. electrical conductivity increased with increase in amount of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix. The results obtained for these composites have greater scientific and technological interest. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Thermal stability of HCl‐doped‐polyaniline and TiO2 nanoparticles‐based nanocomposites

Electrically conductive HCl doped polyaniline (Pani) : titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanocomposites thin films were prepared by in‐situ oxidative polymerization of aniline in the presence of different amounts of TiO₂ nanoparticles. Later film casting was done using N‐Methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone (NMP) as a solvent. The formation of Pani : TiO₂ nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier Transform Infra‐Red spectroscopy (FTIR), x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The stability of the nanocomposites in terms of direct‐current electrical conductivity retention was studied in air by isothermal and cyclic techniques. The films of Pani : TiO₂ nanocomposites were observed thermally more stable under ambient environmental conditions than pure polyaniline film. The stability was seen to be highly dependent on the content of TiO₂ nanoparticles in the nanocomposite films. Due to their high stability, such type of nanocomposites can find place as a replacement material for pure polyaniline in electrical and electronic devices. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Morphology and properties of highly filled iPP/TiO2 nanocomposites

Nanocomposites based on isotactic polypropylene (iPP) and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticle containing 1–15 vol% (4.6–45.5 wt%) of the nanoparticle were prepared by the melt blending process. The effect of an anhydride‐modified polypropylene as a compatibilizer on dispersion of TiO₂ nanoparticles was assessed using SEM. TGA and DSC analysis were performed to study the thermal properties of the nanocomposites. Crystalline structures of iPP in the presence of TiO₂ were analyzed by XRD. Mechanical properties of the nanoparticles were measured and a micromechanical analysis was applied to quantify interface interaction between the polymer and particle. SEM results revealed improvement of TiO₂ particle dispersion by adding the compatibilizer. It was shown that the thermal stability and crystalline structure of the nanocomposite are significantly affected by the state of particle dispersion. TiO₂ nanoparticles were shown to be strong β‐nucleating agents for iPP, especially at concentrations less than 5 vol%. Presence of the β‐structure crystals reduced the elastic modulus and yield strength of the nanocomposites. Micromechanical analysis showed enhanced interaction between organic and inorganic phases of the compatibilized nanocomposites. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:874–886, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Structural,electrical, thermal,and gas sensing properties of new conductive blend nanocomposites based on polypyrrole/phenothiazine/silver‐doped zinc oxide

The main aim of this study is to investigate the effect of silver‐doped zinc oxide (Ag‐ZnO) loading on the structural, morphological, thermal and electrical properties, and gas sensing behavior of polypyrrole (PPy)/phenothiazine (PTZ)‐blend nanocomposites. The composites are characterized by FTIR, XRD, SEM, TEM, DSC, TGA, and impedance studies. FTIR spectra exhibit the presence of Ag‐ZnO in the PPy/PTZ blend. XRD analysis shows that the semicrystalline behavior of the polymer blend is greatly enhanced by the addition of Ag‐doped ZnO particles. Uniform dispersion of nanoparticles in the polymer is obtained from SEM analysis. The TEM images confirm the presence of spherically shaped nanoparticles in PPy/PTZ blend with a size of 10–25 nm. The DSC measurement indicates that the glass transition temperature of PPy/PTZ blend was significantly improved in the presence of Ag‐doped ZnO nanoparticles. The thermal decomposition temperature of nanocomposite obtained from TGA shows an increase with increase in the content of Ag‐ZnO particles. The incorporation of Ag‐doped ZnO nanoparticles to PPy/PTZ blend exhibit increase in the AC conductivity and dielectric properties of the nanocomposite, due to the pilling of charges at the extended interface of the composite system. The DC conductivity of the nanocomposite increases with the loading of nanoparticles. The ammonia gas sensing performance of PPy/PTZ/Ag‐ZnO nanocomposite is analyzed, and the result shows that the fabricated blend composite can be used as a promising candidate for the easy access of gas molecules. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 26:187–195, 2020. © 2019 The Authors. Journal of Vinyl and Additive Technology published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of Society of Plastics Engineers.     

Characterization and physical properties investigation of conducting polypyrrole/TiO2 nanocomposites prepared through a one‐step “in situ” polymerization method

Nowadays, nanocomposites are a special class of materials having unique physical properties and wide application potential in diverse areas. The present research work describes an efficient method for synthesis of a series of polypyrrole/titanium dioxide (PPy/TiO₂) nanocomposites with different TiO₂ ratios. These nanocomposites were prepared by one‐step in situ deposition oxidative polymerization of pyrrole hydrochloride using ferric chloride (FeCl₃) as an oxidant in the presence of ultra fine grade powder of anatase TiO₂ nanoparticles cooled in an ice bath. The obtained nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier‐transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques. The obtained results showed that TiO₂ nanoparticles have been encapsulated by PPy with a strong effect on the morphology of PPy/TiO₂ nanocomposites. Also, the synthesized PPy/TiO₂ nanocomposites had higher thermal stability than that of pure PPy. The investigation of electrical conductivity of nanocomposites by four‐point probe instrument showed that the conductivity of nanocomposite at low TiO₂ content is much higher than of neat PPy, while with the increasing contents of TiO₂, the conductivity decreases. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012     

Effects of Nickel Oxide (NiO) nanoparticles on the performance characteristics of the jatropha oil based alkyd and epoxy blends

Plant oil based alkyd resin was prepared from jatropha oil and blended with epoxy resin. Subsequently, alkyd/epoxy/NiO nanocomposites with different wt % of NiO nanoparticles have been prepared by mechanical mixing of the designed components. The structure, morphology, and performance characteristics of the nanocomposites were studied by UV‐visible spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and universal testing machine (UTM). The alkyd/epoxy/NiO nanocomposites showed the gradual increase in thermal stability with increasing NiO content. With 3 wt % NiO content the tensile strength of the nanocomposite increased by 19 MPa (more than twofold) when compared with the pristine polymer. Limiting oxygen index (LOI) value of the nanocomposites indicate that the incorporation of NiO nanoparticles even in 1 wt % can greatly improves the flame retardant property of the nanocomposites. This study confirms the strong influence of NiO nanoparticles on the thermal, mechanical, and flame retardant properties of the alkyd/epoxy/NiO nanocomposites. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 41490.     

Facile synthesis,characterization and material properties of a novel poly(vinyl cinnamate)/ nickel oxide nanocomposite

A poly(vinyl cinnamate) (PVCin) composite was synthesized by a simple one step in situ polymerization of vinyl cinnamate with nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles. The structural, morphological and thermal properties of the nanocomposite were characterized using Fourier transform (FT)‐Raman, FT infrared (FTIR) and UV spectroscopies, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), differential scanning calorimetry and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) measurements. FT‐Raman, FTIR and UV spectroscopy results revealed the characteristic absorption and shifts of peaks of the polymer matrix, the shifts being attributed to the interaction of NiO nanoparticles with the polymer chains. The structural and morphological analysis using XRD, HRTEM and FESEM showed the uniform arrangement of nanoparticles within the polymer chains. VSM showed the ferromagnetic nature of the composite with an increasing saturation of magnetism. The glass transition temperature (T_g) of the composite was higher than that of pure PVCin and T_g of the composite increased with increasing nanoparticle content. The electrical resistivity of the nanocomposite was studied from AC and DC conductivity measurements. AC and dielectric properties were markedly enhanced in the whole range of frequency due to the presence of NiO nanoparticles. DC conductivity of the nanocomposite was much higher than that of PVCin and the conductivity of the nanocomposite increased with increasing content of NiO nanoparticles. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry     

Preparation,characterization, and dynamic adsorption–desorption studies on polypyrrole encapsulated TiO2 nanoparticles

Binary doped polypyrrole (PPy) encapsulated Titania (TiO₂) nanoparticles were prepared by oxidative polymerization using FeCl₃ as oxidant in presence of camphorsulfonic acid (CSA) as surfactant. Both FeCl₃ (oxidant) and camphorsulfonic acid (surfactant) also act as dopant and hence thus prepared polypyrrole/Titania (TiO₂@PPy) is termed as binary doped nanocomposite i.e. FeCl₃ dopes polypyrrole by oxidation mechanism while camphorsulfonic acid dopes polypyrrole by protonic doping mechanism. The TiO₂@PPy coreshell nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), field emission‐scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM), and inductance‐capacitance‐resistance (LCR) measurements. The results indicated that the structural and electrical properties of the TiO₂@PPy coreshell nanocomposites were significantly influenced by the extent of TiO₂ nanoparticles loading of polypyrrole. The direct current (DC) electrical conductivity of the as‐prepared TiO₂@PPy coreshell nanocomposites was higher than that of PPy. As‐prepared TiO₂@PPy coreshell nanocomposites were also studied for their dielectric losses for alternating current (AC) which is useful characteristic for their application in the fabrication of charge storing devices. TiO₂@PPy coreshell nanocomposites showed synergistic effect of combining components in improving their alcohol sensing properties. This improvement may be attributed to the adsorption on and desorption from alcohols TiO₂@PPy interface of the nanocomposites and alcohol vapors causing decrease in depletion region. The TiO₂@PPy coreshell nanocomposites were observed to show better reproducibility of electrical conductivity and fast self‐recovery during the alcohol vapor sensing process. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43411.     

Fabrication and characterization of conducting nanomaterials composed of copper sulfide and polyindole

Conducting polymer nanocomposites of polyindole (PIN)/copper sulfide (CuS) were fabricated by in situ polymerization of indole with different concentration of CuS nanoparticles. These composites were examined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and electrical studies. XRD analysis confirmed that the composite began to crystallize by the incorporation of CuS nanoparticles. The IR spectrum shows the intermolecular interaction between PIN and CuS. SEM images revealed that the nanoparticles were uniformly embedded in the entire substrate. Glass transition temperature was found to be increased with increase in concentration of nanoparticles, which showed an ordered structure of the samples. TGA results indicated that the fabricated PIN/CuS composite attains better thermal stability than pure PIN. The dc conductivity of nanocomposite was significantly increased with increase in content of CuS nanoparticle. An increase in ac electrical conductivity and dielectric properties of the composite were observed with increase in molar concentration of CuS nanoparticles. Thus, enhancements in these properties suggest that the fabricated PIN/CuS nanocomposite has potential application in the field of nanotechnology. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Fabrication,characterization, and properties of poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)/magnetite nanocomposites

Poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA)/magnetite (Fe₃O₄) nanocomposite was prepared with different loading of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The mixing and compounding were carried out on a two‐roll mixing mill and the sheets were prepared in a compression‐molding machine. The effect of loading of nanoparticles in EVA was investigated thoroughly by different characterization technique such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), limiting oxygen index (LOI), and technological properties. TEM analysis showed the uniform dispersion of filler in the polymer matrix and the dispersion of filler decreased with increase in filler content. XRD of the nanocomposite revealed the more ordered structure of the polymer chain. An appreciable increase in glass transition temperature was observed owing to the restricted mobility of Fe₃O₄‐filled EVA nanocomposite. TGA and flame resistance studies indicated that the composites attain better thermal and flame resistance than EVA owing to the interaction of filler and polymer segments. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, tear resistance, and modulus were increased for composites up to 7 phr of filler, which is presumably owing to aggregation of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle at higher loading. The presence of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles in the polymer matrix reduced the elongation at break and impact strength while improved hardness of the composite than unfilled EVA. The change in technological properties had been correlated with the variation of polymer–filler interaction estimated from the swelling behavior. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40116.     

Montmorillonite nanoclay filler effects on electrical conductivity,thermal and mechanical properties of epoxy‐based nanocomposites

Epoxy‐based nanocomposites with 2, 5, and 7 wt% of montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay were prepared using high shear melt mixing technique. The microstructural features of the nanocomposites were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The thermal and mechanical properties were measured using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA), and dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). Further, the effect of voltage, temperature, seawater aging on the electrical conductivity (σ_DC) of the nanocomposites was also measured. To understand the free volume behavior upon filler loading, and to observe the connectivity between microstructure and other properties, positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy was used. The TEM results revealed that MMT nanoparticles were uniformly dispersed in the epoxy matrix. Experimental results showed that the inclusion of 2 wt% MMT nanofiller increased the T_g, electrical conductivity, thermal stability, modulus, free volume of the epoxy nanocomposite significantly. This is well explained from the results of T_g (DSC and DMA), thermal stability, TGA residue, free volume analysis, and electrical conductivity. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Preparation and Properties of Fe3O4/Polypyrrole/Poly(Pyrrole-Co-Acrylamide) Nanocomposites

Polypyrrole (PPy)/poly(pyrrole-co-acrylamide) (Poly(Py-co-AAm)/nanocomposite was prepared by a simple and inexpensive in-situ co-polymerization of pyrrole and acrylamide in the presence of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The nanocomposites were characterized by FTIR, SEM, XRD, TGA, and conductivity measurements. The FTIR spectra ascertain the chemical interlinking of polypyrrole and copolymer with magnetite nanoparticles. The XRD revealed that crystallinity of the copolymer was increased with weight percentage of the magnetite nanoparticles. SEM analysis showed that the nanoparticles were well shaped and uniformly dispersed in the nanocomposites. Thermal stability and the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposite were higher than that of polypyrrole and the copolymer.     

Facile fabrication of nanocomposite microspheres with polymer cores and magnetic shells by Pickering suspension polymerization

Pickering suspension polymerization was used to prepare magnetic polymer microspheres that have polymer cores enveloped by shells of magnetic nanoparticles. Styrene was emulsified in an aqueous dispersion of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles using a high shear. The resultant Pickering oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion stabilized solely by magnetic nanoparticles was easily polymerized at 70 °C without stirring. Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles act as effective stabilizers during polymerization and as building blocks for creating the organic–inorganic hybrid nanocomposite after polymerization. The fabricated magnetic nanocomposites were characterized by FTIR, XRD, TGA, DSC, GPC, XPS and SEM. The structures of the polymer core and the nanoparticle shell were analyzed. We investigated the effects on the products of the weight of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles used to stabilize the original Pickering emulsions. Pickering suspension polymerization provides a new route for the synthesis of a variety of hybrid nanocomposite microspheres with supracolloidal structures.     

Preparation,characterization, and properties of TiO2/PLA nanocomposites by in situ polymerization

In situ polymerization method was used to prepare TiO₂/polylactide (PLA) nanocomposites with different contents of TiO₂ in this work. The size of the organically modified TiO₂ particles was investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) shows that nano‐TiO₂ particles disperse in the PLA evenly when the content of TiO₂ is low (less than 3 wt%). The differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), thermogravimetry analysis (TGA), and tensile test were used to study the thermal and mechanical properties of the composites. Results show that both the thermal and mechanical properties are markedly improved when the content of TiO₂ is 3 wt%. UV light irradiation and solution degradation experiment show that degradation of the composites is higher when the content of TiO₂ increases and due to the introduction of TiO₂ particles in the nanocomposites, the TiO₂/PLA nanocomposites exhibit remarkable bacteriostasic activity. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Efficient preparation of hybrid nanocomposite coatings based on poly(vinyl alcohol) and silane coupling agent modified TiO2 nanoparticles

In the present investigation, at first, the surface of titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles was modified with γ-aminopropyltriethoxy silane as a coupling agent. Then a new kind of poly(vinyl alcohol)/titanium dioxide (PVA/TiO₂) nanocomposites coating with different modified TiO₂ loading were prepared under ultrasonic irradiation process. Finally, these nanocomposites coating were used for fabrication of PVA/TiO₂ films via solution casting method. The resulting nanocomposites were fully characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis/derivative thermal gravimetric (TGA/DTG), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The TEM and SEM results indicated that the surface modified nanoparticles were dispersed homogeneously in PVA matrix on nanoscale and based on obtained results a possible mechanism was proposed for ultrasonic induced nanocomposite fabrication. TGA confirmed that the heat stability of the nanocomposite was improved. UV–vis spectroscopy was employed to evaluate the absorbance and transmittance behavior of the PVA/TiO₂ nanocomposite films in the wavelength range of 200–800 nm. The results showed that this type of films could be used as a coating to shield against UV light.