The Effect of TiO2 Nanoparticles on Mechanical Properties of Poly Methyl Methacrylate Nanocomposites (RESEARCH NOTE)

Abstract

Various applications of nanocomposites were a good motivation to start a study on this wide spreading field of science. Current research is an investigation on incorporating different percentages of TiO2 nanoparticle as reinforcement to a base material which here is poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA). In this study various percentages of TiO2 (0.5, 1 and 2 wt%) were added to pure PMMA and effect of this combination on the mechanical properties of produced composite by performing several tests was investigated and compared to the base material. For producing samples, materials were compounded by melting compounding method using a twin screw extruder followed by injecting molding process. SEM images showed that almost all percentage of TiO2 nanoparticles have been mixed suitably through base matrix. Rockwell hardness R, impact and tensile tests were carried out on all specimens. Almost all of the results illustrated that combination of TiO2 nanoparticle with PMMA, improves mechanical properties of composite. The results also indicated amazing effect of TiO2 nanoparticles on improvements of impact and flexural strengths. Highest recorded impact strength showed 229% increase in samples containing 2 wt% nanoparticles compared to the base material.