Effect of TiO₂ Nanofillers on Mechanical Properties of PVC/ENR/TiO₂ Nanocomposites

Abstract:

Addition of nanoparticles currently in polymer blends has brought tremendous transformation in polymer engineering field. Incorporation of TiO₂ nanofillers is believed to enhance the physical and mechanical properties of PVC/ENR blends due to its excellent characteristics including non-toxicity, long term stability and UV light discoloration resistance. The main objective of this research work is to introduce titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanofillers in a range of 0 - 6 phr into polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) blends. Modification on mechanical properties of PVC/ENR blends has successfully been carried via irradiation crosslinking technique. The addition of TiO₂ nanofillers has improved the tensile strength and hardness of the nanocomposites. Nevertheless, at higher loading of 6 phr, the results obviously showed an insignificant difference of performances for both tensile strength and shore hardness properties. Upon radiation of 50 kGy, the increase in Ts of the PVC/ENR blends with addition of 4 phr TiO₂ was found to be optimum before the Ts value drops with higher exposure to irradiation dose rate. Gel fraction of irradiated PVC/ENR/TiO₂ nanocomposites indicates the nanocomposites are crosslinked upon electron beam irradiation. Degree of crosslink was also increased with the addition of 4 phr and 6 phr TiO₂.

• Periodical: Advanced Materials Research (Volume 911)
• Pages: 105-109
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/www.scientific.net/AMR.911.105
• Online since: March 2014
• Authors: Nur Azrini Ramlee*, Chantara Thevy Ratnam, N.H. Alias, T.A. Tengku Mohd
• Keywords: Gel Fraction, Hardness, PVC/ENR/TiO₂ Nanocomposites, Tensile Strength, TiO₂ Nanofillers

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