Novel ceramic–polymer composites synthesized by compaction of polymer-encapsulated TiO2-nanoparticles

A novel processing route for producing composites from ceramic particles and a thermoplastic polymer with high ceramic content was developed. Via a radical emulsion polymerization reaction in an aqueous suspension, titanium dioxide is encapsulated by a thin layer of poly(methyl methacrylate). Subsequently, the coated particles are compacted by applying high pressure (∼1 GPa) at a temperature above the glass transition temperature of the polymer (∼160 °C). This technique enables producing dense, hard and stiff composites at low processing temperatures. Microstructural investigations of composites by scanning electron microscopy confirm successful coating of titanium dioxide particles by polymer. Compositions were estimated from thermogravimetric measurements. A maximum TiO₂ volume content of almost 70% was achieved. For characterizing mechanical properties, Vickers microhardness as well as flexural strength and elastic modulus were determined. With respect to pure PMMA, composites exhibit a 10-fold increase in microhardness. Furthermore, a strong increase in elastic modulus with TiO₂ contents, up to 40 GPa at 66 vol.% TiO₂ was observed. These moduli are among the highest found in literature for ceramic polymer composites. However, bending strength of the material is still low.