Organic‐acid‐catalyzed sol–gel route for preparing poly(methyl methacrylate)–silica hybrid materials

In this study, a series of organic–inorganic hybrid sol–gel materials consisting of a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix and dispersed silica (SiO₂) particles were successfully prepared through an organic‐acid‐catalyzed sol–gel route with N‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidone as the mixing solvent. The as‐synthesized PMMA–SiO₂ nanocomposites were subsequently characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The solid phase of organic camphor sulfonic acid was employed to catalyze the hydrolysis and condensation (i.e., sol–gel reactions) of tetraethyl orthosilicate in the PMMA matrix. The formation of the hybrid membranes was beneficial for the physical properties at low SiO₂ loadings, especially for enhanced mechanical strength and gas barrier properties, in comparison with the neat PMMA. The effects of material composition on the thermal stability, thermal conductivity, mechanical strength, molecular permeability, optical clarity, and surface morphology of the as‐prepared hybrid PMMA–SiO₂ nanocomposites in the form of membranes were investigated with thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, gas permeability analysis, ultraviolet–visible transmission spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy, respectively. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

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     

Towards transparent PMMA/SiO2 nanocomposites with promising scratch‐resistance by manipulation of SiO2 aggregation followed by in situ polymerization

Poly(methyl methacrylate) grafted silica (SiO₂‐g‐PMMA) was synthesized via in situ suspension polymerization. To achieve better uniform dispersion, hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was introduced into xylene to manipulate SiO₂ aggregation. SiO₂‐g‐PMMA or SiO₂ was incorporated into PMMA matrix by in situ polymerization to prepare PMMA‐based nanocomposites. The effect of CTAB amount, in the range 0–35 wt %, on the modification was evaluated by DLS, TGA, and FTIR. Furthermore, morphology, optical, mechanical, and thermal properties of PMMA nanocomposites was characterized by SEM, UV–vis, DMA, and TGA. Owing to surface functionalization, SiO₂‐g‐PMMA exhibited far more excellent compatibility and dispersion in matrix compared with SiO₂. Surface hardness and thermal properties of nanocomposites were enhanced significantly under the premise in high transparency. It is expected that transparent nanocomposites with promising scratch‐resistance could have wide applications, such as airplane shielding window and daily furniture. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 44612.     

Study on structure and properties of SSBR/SiO2 co‐coagulated rubber and SSBR filled with nanosilica composites

The morphological structure, glass transition, mechanical properties, and dynamic mechanical properties of star‐shaped solution‐polymerized styrene‐butadiene rubber (SSBR) synthesized by a multifunctional organic lithium initiator and SiO₂‐SSBR composite (N‐SSBR) prepared through adding a small amount of nanosilica modified by silane coupling agent to star‐shaped SSBR synthetic solution and co‐coagulating, and their nanocomposites filled with 20 phr nanosilica were investigated, respectively. The results showed that the silica particles were well dispersed with nanosize in N‐SSBR, which glass‐transition temperature (T_g) was 2°C higher than SSBR. N‐SSBR/SiO₂ nanocomposite exhibited lower Payne effect and internal friction loss, higher mechanical properties, and its T_g was 2°C higher than SSBR/SiO₂ nanocomposite. N‐SSBR might promote the dispersion of nanosilica powder in matrix and could be applied to green tire tread materials. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Tribological properties of bismaleimide composites with surface‐modified SiO2 nanoparticles

In this article, the surface of SiO₂ nanoparticles was modified by silane coupling agent N‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐γ‐aminopropylmethyl dimethoxy silane. The bismaleimide nanocomposites with surface‐modified SiO₂ nanoparticles or unmodified SiO₂ nanoparticles were prepared by the same casting method. The tribological performance of the nanocomposites was studied on an M‐200 friction and wear tester. The results indicated that the addition of SiO₂ nanoparticles could decrease the frictional coefficient and the wear rate of the composites. The nanocomposites with surface‐modified SiO₂ nanoparticles showed better wear resistance and lower frictional coefficient than that with the unmodified nanoparticles SiO₂. The specific wear rate and the steady frictional coefficient of the composite with 1.0 wt % surface‐modified SiO₂ nanoparticles are only 1.8 × 10^?6 mm³/N m and 0.21, respectively. The dispersion of surface‐modified SiO₂ nanoparticles in resin matrix was observed with transmission electron microscope, and the worn surfaces of pure resin matrix and the nanocomposites were observed with scanning electron microscope. The different tribological behavior of the resin matrix and the filled composites should be dependent on their different mechanical properties and wear mechanism. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Coincorporation of nano‐silica and nano‐calcium carbonate in polypropylene

In this study, various polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending method. The effects of different spherical nanofillers, such as 50 nm CaCO₃ and 20 nm SiO₂, on the linear viscoelastic property, crystallization behavior, morphology and mechanical property of the resulting PP nanocomposites were examined. Rheological study indicated that coincorporation of nano‐SiO₂ and nano‐CaCO₃ favored the uniform dispersion of nanoparticles in the PP matrix. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and polarizing optical microscopy (POM) studies revealed that the coincorporation of SiO₂ and CaCO₃ nanoparticles could effectively improve PP crystallizability, which gave rise to a lower supercooling temperature (ΔT), a shorter crystallization half‐life (t_1/2) and a smaller spherulite size in comparison with those nanocomposites incorporating only one type of CaCO₃ or SiO₂ nanoparticles. The mechanical analysis results also showed that addition of two types of nanoparticles into PP matrix gave rise to enhanced performance than the nanocomposites containing CaCO₃ or SiO₂ individually. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Preparation and properties of polylactide–silica nanocomposites

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)/SiO₂ nanocomposites were prepared via melt mixing with a Haake mixing method. To improve the dispersion of nanoparticles and endow compatibility between the polymer matrix and nanosilica, SiO₂ was surface‐modified with oleic acid (OA). The interfacial adhesion of the PLA nanocomposites was characterized by field‐emission scanning electron microscopy. The storage modulus and glass‐transition temperature values of the prepared nanocomposites were measured by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. The linear and nonlinear dynamic rheological properties of the PLA nanocomposites were measured with a parallel‐plate rheometer. The effects of the filling content on the dispersability of the OA–SiO₂ nanoparticles in the PLA matrix, the interface adhesion, the thermomechanical properties, the rheological properties, and the mechanical properties were investigated. Moreover, the proper representation of the oscillatory viscometry results provided an alternative sensitive method to detect whether aggregation formed in the polymeric nanocomposites. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Synthesis and properties of nanosilica‐reinforced polyurethane for grouting

A polyurethane/nanosilica (PU/SiO₂) hybrid for grouting was prepared in a two‐step polymerization using poly(propylene glycol) diols as the soft segment, toluene 2,4‐diisocyanate (TDI) as the diisocyanate, 3,3′‐dichloro‐4,4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane (MOCA) as the chain extender, and acetone as the solvent. The size and dispersion of nanosilica, the molecular structure, mechanical properties, rheological behavior, thermal performance, and the UV absorbance characteristic of the PU/SiO₂ hybrid were investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), FTIR, mechanical tests, viscometry, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and UV spectroscopy. Nanosilica dispersed homogeneously in the PU matrix. The maximum values of mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation break, and adhesive strength showed an addition of nanosilica of about 2 wt %. Resistance to both high and low temperatures was better than with PU. And the UV absorbance of the PU/SiO₂ hybrid increased in the range of 290–330 nm with increasing nanosilica content. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4333–4337, 2006     

Property improvement of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) by nano‐TiO2 and poly(methyl methacrylate)–encapsulated nano‐TiO2

To improve the physical properties of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) (p‐PVC), the p‐PVC nanocomposites filled with four loading levels (3, 5, 7, and 9 parts per hundred of PVC resin) of either nanosized titanium dioxide (nTiO₂) or poly(methyl methacrylate)–encapsulated nTiO₂ (PMMA‐nTiO₂) were prepared by melt mixing on a two‐roll mill, followed by compression molding. The PMMA‐nTiO₂ used in this study was synthesized via in situ differential microemulsion polymerization. The resulting PMMA‐nTiO₂ exhibited core‐shell morphology (nTiO₂ core and PMMA shell) with an average diameter of 42.6 nm. The effects of nTiO₂ and PMMA‐nTiO₂ on the tensile properties, hardness, morphology, and thermal stability of the as‐prepared p‐PVC nanocomposites were then investigated and compared. The inclusion of either nTiO₂ or PMMA‐nTiO₂ nanoparticles increased the tensile strength, Young's modulus, hardness, and thermal stability of the nanocomposites in a dose‐dependent manner and reduced the elongation at break. However, the elongation at break was still higher than that for the neat p‐PVC. Moreover, the PMMA‐nTiO₂ nanocomposites had a higher enhancement of the tensile strength, Young's modulus, hardness, and thermal stability than the nTiO₂ nanocomposites at a similar loading level. Hence, the PMMA grafted on the nTiO₂ surface played an important role in toughening and increasing the thermal stability of the nanocomposites owing to the improved miscibility and interfacial adhesion between the encapsulated nanofiller and PVC matrix. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:433–440, 2016. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Preparation of poly(methyl methacrylate)‐Silica nanoparticles via differential microemulsion polymerization and physical properties of NR/PMMA‐SiO2 hybrid membranes

Poly(methy methacrylate) (PMMA)‐SiO₂ nanoparticles were prepared via differential microemulsion polymerization. The effects of silica loading, surfactant concentration, and initiator concentration on monomer conversion, particle size, particle size distribution, grafting efficiency, and silica encapsulation efficiency were investigated. A high monomer conversion of 99.9% and PMMA‐SiO₂ nanoparticles with a size range of 30 to 50 nm were obtained at a low surfactant concentration of 5.34 wt% based on monomer. PMMA‐SiO₂ nanoparticles showed spherical particles with a core‐shell morphology by TEM micrographs. A nanocomposite membrane from natural rubber (NR) and PMMA‐SiO₂ emulsion was studied for mechanical and thermal properties and pervaporation of water‐ethanol mixtures. PMMA‐SiO₂ nanoparticles which were uniformly dispersed in NR matrix, significantly enhanced mechanical properties and showed high water selectivity in permeate flux. Thus, the NR/PMMA‐SiO₂ hybrid membranes have great potential for pervaporation process in membrane applications. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2017. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Nanosilica‐reinforced Epoxidized natural rubber nanocomposites: Effect of Epoxidation level on morphological and mechanical properties

Epoxidized natural rubbers (ENRs) with three different epoxide contents (i.e., 20, 35, and 50 mol% indicated as ENR20, ENR35, and ENR50, respectively) were prepared. They were then reinforced with 3‐methyacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane‐modified nanosilica (MPTS‐SiO₂). Influence of epoxide level in ENR molecules on morphological, mechanical, and dynamic mechanical properties of the ENR nanocomposites was investigated. The scanning electron microscopy results revealed larger agglomerates of SiO₂ were found in the ENR composites with higher epoxide content. Furthermore, the strength and moduli of the ENR nanocomposites increased with increasing epoxide content. However, the optimal tensile strength and elongation at break were observed in the nanocomposites with the intermediate level of epoxide contents. The correlation between the strength properties and the interfacial silica‐matrix adhesion indicated that the maximum interfacial adhesion of the nanocomposites was observed in the nanocomposite with ENR35. Also, DMA results indicated stronger interaction between ENR35 and MPTS‐SiO₂ due to higher storage modulus. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1151–1157, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

The Preparation of Core–Shell P(St-MMA)–SiO2 Hybrid Nanoparticles and Filling in the Styrene/n-butyl Acrylate Adhesive

In this study, core–shell poly(styrene-methyl methacrylate) (P(St-MMA))–SiO₂ hybrid nanoparticles were prepared successfully by emulsion polymerization. Firstly, nanosilica particles were modified by oleic acid (OA) in order to introduce the polymerization active vinyl groups and hydrophobic groups onto the nanosilica. This was followed by graft copolymerization onto the modified nanosilica particles to obtain P(St-MMA)–SiO₂ hybrid nanoparticles. The hybrid nanoparticles were characterized by: transmission electron microscope (TEM); Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR); dynamic light scattering (DLS); and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The results indicate that the hybrid particles had a regular spherical morphology with a diameter ranging from 50 to 80 nm. A reasonable mechanism for the preparation of the core–shell hybrid nanocomposites was presented. The obtained hybrid nanoparticles were subsequently (incorporated into) filled in the poly(styrene-n-butyl acrylate) (PSBA) latex. The effect of (hybrid nanoparticle concentration) filling content on the physicochemical properties of PSBA latex and the resulting node strength per monofilanment of the fibre glass gridding cloth was investigated. The results indicated that the node strength/monofilanment of the fibre glass gridding cloth coated with the PBSA latex filled with 1.0 wt% hybrid nanoparticles demonstrated greatest improvement among all the investigated PSBA latex. This result is related to the rheological properties of the latex. Moreover, the water-resistance property of PSBA composite film was found to be enhanced when compared with that of unfilled PSBA film.     

A novel method of hyperbranched poly(amide‐ester) modifying nano‐SiO2 and study of mechanical properties of PVC/nano‐SiO2 composites

A new method of surface chemical modification of nano‐SiO₂ was proposed in the paper. In the presence of catalyst, the active hydroxyl groups on the surface of nano‐SiO₂ reacted with AB₂‐type monomer (N,N‐dihydroxyethyl‐3‐amino methyl propionate) by one‐step polycondensation. And the product's Fourier transform infrared graphs and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images proved that hyperbranched poly(amine‐ester) (HPAE) was grafted from nano‐SiO₂ surface successfully. Moreover, polyvinyl chloride (PVC)/modified nano‐SiO₂ composites were made by melt‐blending. The composites' structures and mechanical properties were characterized by TEM, scanning electron microscopy, and electronic universal testing machine. The results showed that nano‐SiO₂ grafted by HPAE increased obviously in dispersion in PVC matrix, and mechanical properties of PVC were effectively improved. Additionally, it was found that mechanical properties of PVC/nano‐SiO₂ composites reached the best when weight percent of nano‐SiO₂ in PVC matrix was 1%. Compared with crude PVC, the tensile strength of HPAE grafted nano‐SiO₂/PVC composite increased by 24.68% and its break elongation, flexural strength, and impact strength increased by 15.73, 4.07, and 184.84%, respectively. POLYM. COMPOS., 2008. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

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     

Reinforcement of the mechanical properties in nitrile rubber by adding graphene oxide/silicon dioxide hybrid nanoparticles

Graphene oxide (GO) and silicon dioxide (SiO₂) nanoparticles have been hybridized for improving the mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties of nitrile rubber (NBR). SiO₂ nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed on the surface and between layers of GO, and the new hybrid nanoparticles formed (GO/SiO₂₎ had better thermal stability than GO. To evaluate the mechanical properties, GO/SiO₂/NBR nanocomposites were prepared by solution blending and mechanical solution methods. It was observed that tensile strength increased in a larger grade in GO/SiO₂/NBR nanocomposites than that in GO/NBR and SiO₂/NBR nanocomposites, while the elongation at break only changes smoothly. Moreover, dynamics measurements also indicated that the elasticity increased after adding GO/SiO₂ hybrid nanoparticles in NBR. From morphology's analysis of GO/SiO₂/NBR and GO/NBR nanocomposites, it is was conclude that the hybridization of the GO/SiO₂ was the determining factor for the reinforcement of the mechanical properties and elasticity of the NBR. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46091.     

Transparent PMMA/silica nanocomposites containing silica nanoparticles coating under supercritical conditions

This work reports the preparation of PMMA/silica nanocomposites with high optical transparency and enhanced mechanical properties using a melt compounding method. The surface of SiO₂ particles was modified with a γ-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxy silane coupling agent in a supercritical carbon dioxide-ethanol mixture and by conventional procedure. Dispersion of silica nanoparticles in ethanol at low temperatures plays an important role in deagglomeration and dispersion of nanosilica, which leads to the optimal particle-matrix bonding in composites. The optimal mechanical and optical properties were found for composites loaded with 5 wt% silica nanoparticles treated under supercritical coating method.     

Preparation by melt mixing and characterization of isotactic polypropylene/SiO2 nanocomposites containing untreated and surface‐treated nanoparticles

In the present study two series of isotactic polypropylene (iPP)/SiO₂ nanocomposites containing 1, 2.5, 5, 7.5, and 10 wt % SiO₂ nanoparticles were prepared by melt‐mixing on a twin‐screw corotating extruder. In the first series untreated fumed silica nanoparticles were used, whereas in the second nanoparticles were surface‐treated with dimethyldichlorosilane. In both cases, the average size of the primary nanoparticles was 12 nm. Tensile and impact strength were found to increase and to be affected mainly by the type and content of silica nanoparticles. A maximum was observed, corresponding to samples containing 2.5 wt % SiO₂. These findings are discussed in light of the SEM and TEM observations. By increasing the amount of nanoparticles, large aggregates of fumed silica could be formed, which may explain the reduction of mechanical properties with higher concentrations of SiO₂. However, it was found that surface‐treated nanoparticles produced larger aggregates than did those derived from untreated nanoparticles, despite the increased adhesion of the iPP matrix, as was postulated from yield strength. This behavior negatively affected mechanical properties. In addition, an effort was made to determine if toughening theories, mainly the critical interparticle distance for rubber toughening or composites, also might be applicable in nanocomposites. From DSC measurements it was demonstrated that silica nanoparticles acted as effective nucleating agents, increasing the crystallization rate and the degree of crystallinity of iPP. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2684–2696, 2006     

Preparation of highly emissive,thermally stable,UV‐cured polysilsesquioxane/ZnO nanoparticle composites

A high molecular weight polysilsesquioxane (LPMSQ)/ZnO nanocomposite was prepared by blending a methacryl‐substituted polysilsesquioxane and PMMA‐coated ZnO nanoparticle (NP) followed by UV‐curing process. These LPMSQ/ZnO nanocomposites gave high thermal and mechanical stabilities originated from the rigid ladder structured siloxane backbone of LPMSQ. The polysilsesquioxane and surface‐modified ZnO nanoparticles showed excellent compatibility between MMA groups in LPMSQ‐ and PMMA‐capped ZnO nanoparticles to give well‐dispersed LPMSQ/ZnO nanocomposites. Mechanically pliant and flexible free standing films were obtained, and the photo and optical properties of these hybrid nanocomposites were examined. The high photoluminescent properties were maintained even after severe thermal treatments exceeding 400°C. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42333.     

Characterization of nanosilica‐filled epoxy composites for electrical and insulation applications

We report in this article the results of nanosilica (SiO₂)‐filled epoxy composites with different loadings and their electrical, thermal, mechanical, and free‐volume properties characterized with different techniques. The morphological features were studied by transmission electron microscopy, and differential scanning calorimetry was used to investigate the glass‐transition temperature (T_g) of the nanocomposites. The properties of the nanocomposites showed that the electrical resistivity (ρ), ultimate tensile strength, and hardness of the composites increased with SiO₂ weight fraction up to 10 wt % and decreased thereafter; this suggested that the beneficial properties occurred up to this weight fraction. The temperature and seawater aging had a negative influence on ρ; that is, ρ decreased with increases in the temperature and aging. The free‐volume changes (microstructural) in the composite systems correlated with seawater aging but did not correlate so well with the mechanical properties. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011     

Nano‐sio2‐reinforced ultraviolet‐curing materials for three‐dimensional printing

As an additive manufacturing technology, ultraviolet (UV)‐curing three‐dimensional printing, which requires the use of a photocurable resin, is increasingly being used to produce customized end‐user parts of many complex shapes. In this study, to improve the strength and ductility of printing materials, nano‐SiO₂‐reinforced photocurable resins were prepared by a planetary ball mill; then, the morphology, photochemistry, thermal property, and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated and characterized. Transmission electron microscopy analysis indicated that the modified nano‐SiO₂ was well dispersed in the photocurable resin. The glass‐transition temperature increased from 67.2°C for the unfilled resin to 71.7 and 80.1°C for nanocomposites with nano‐SiO₂ contents of 0.3 and 0.7 wt %, respectively. The tensile strength and impact strength were increased by 46.7 and 165.3% for nanocomposites with 0.3 wt % nano‐SiO₂. The flexural modulus of the nanocomposites increased from 1.7 to 8.0 GPa when 0.7 wt % nano‐SiO₂ was added to the photocurable resin; this appeared to originate from the relatively high level of dispersion and the intimate combination of the nano‐SiO₂ with the matrix. The investigation of the physical and chemical properties of such UV‐curing materials showed that the low filler concentration (<1 wt %) of nano‐SiO₂ did not affect the processability of the nanocomposites. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42307.