POLYMER BASED COMPOSITES REINFORCED WITH GRAFTED NANOPARTICLES

摘要

As it might be impossible to pursuit a nano-scale dispersion of nanoparticles in polymer melts characterized by high viscosity using existing compounding techniques, the current work is focused on the strengthening of nanoparticle agglomerates by means of irradiation graft polymerization. On the basis of this treatment, the grafted nanoparticles are mechanically mixed with polypropylene as usual. It is found that the reinforcing and toughening effects of the nanoparticles on the polymer matrix can be fully brought into play at a rather low filler loading in comparison to conventional particulate filled composites. Unlike the approaches for manufacturing of the other types of nanocomposites, including intercalation polymerization, the current technique is characterized by many advantages, such as simple, low cost, easy to be controlled, and broader applicability.