Properties of PVC-titania hybrid materials prepared by the sol-gel process

Hybrid materials from Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and titania were prepared using sol-gel technique. In-situ generation of titania network in the PVC matrix was carried out by introducing required amounts of tetrapropylorthotitanate (TPOT) followed by hydrolysis/condensation of TPOT in the matrix. Homogeneous and semi-transparent films were obtained by casting and solvent evaporation. Mechanical properties of these films up to 15 wt. % titania contents were studied. The results showed an increase in the Young's modulus, length at rupture and toughness of the unplasticised PVC. However, the tensile strength and stress at break point decreased with the addition of titania contents. Thermal stability of the material was studied using dehydrochlorination (DHCl) technique and thermogravimetric analysis. The PVC samples with small amount of titania were found to be more stable as compared with the pure PVC. Received: 13 October 1997/Revised version: 22 January 1998/Accepted: 2 February 1998