Effect of nanoTiO2 addition on poly(methyl methacrylate): An exciting nanocomposite

A systematic research has been conducted to investigate the matrix properties by introducing nanosize TiO₂ (5 nm, 2.0–30% by weight) filler into a poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) resin. A twin screw extraction process was developed to disperse the particles into the PMMA. The thermal, mechanical, and viscoelastic properties of the virgin PMMA and nanoTiO₂‐PMMA composite were measured. The nanofiller infusion improves the thermal, mechanical and viscoelastic properties of the PMMA. Nanocomposite shows increase in storage modulus (～ 60%), rubbery modulus (～ 210%), glass transition temperature (～ 27%), crosslink density (～ 213%), initial decomposition temperature (～ 83% at 1% wt. loss), and activation energy (～ 141%). Mechanical performance and thermal stability of the nanoTiO₂‐PMMA composites are depending on the dispersion state of the TiO₂ in the PMMA matrix. Scanning electron microscopic study shows that the particles are well dispersed in the PMMA matrix. They are correlated with loading. Kinetics for thermal degradation analysis was studies. The integral procedural decomposition temperature (IPDT) is enhanced (～ 117%). The nanocomposites of high activation energy possess high thermal stability. Interrelation of T_g, crosslink density, IPDT, storage modulus, activation energy, and TiO₂ weight percent are established. Various reasons for these effects in terms of reinforcing mechanisms have been discussed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010