Transparent nanocomposites with enhanced performances from poly(propylene carbonate) and silica. Issue 1 (9th August 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ma, Youmei; Zhang, Shuling
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied polymer science. Volume 139:Issue 1(2022)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2021-08-09
• Subjects: enhanced performances -- nanocomposites -- percolation threshold -- poly(propylene carbonate) -- transparency; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1002/app.51513
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8995

Abstract

Abstract: In this study, silica nanoparticles with a refractive index matching PPC and a diameter smaller than the visible light wavelength were chosen to prepare enhanced PPC/silica nanocomposites by a simple melt compounding method. The result exhibited all the nanocomposites possessed excellent transparency (about 90%), even in the nanocomposite with a silica content of 10 wt%. For PPC/silica nanocomposites, the percolation threshold was determined to be 7.5 wt% based on the dynamic rheological behavior and percolation theory. Moreover, the overall performance of the PPC‐based nanocomposite with a silica content of 7.5% is the best. The optimal nanocomposite showed a Young's modulus of 3792 MPa, a yield strength of 46.5 MPa, a storage modulus of 3812 MPa and a highest temperature at maximum weight‐loss rate ( T max, 309°C). These characteristics are very important for potential commodity applications of PPC. Abstract : Transparent poly(propylene carbonate)/silica nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical and thermal properties were fabricated. Moreover, the percolation threshold was determined to be 7.5 wt% for poly(propylene carbonate)/silica nanocomposites.