Effects of nanoparticle size and concentration on optical, toughness, and thermal properties of polycarbonate

Abstract

The influences of size and content of silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) nanoparticles on the morphological, optical, toughness, and thermal properties of polycarbonate (PC) were investigated. The PC nanocomposites were prepared using a twin-screw extruder followed by injection molding. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) micrographs displayed an adequate level of nano-SiO 2 particle distribution within the PC matrix but still revealed some agglomerated particles. Upon increasing the content of nanoparticles, slightly larger agglomerates formed. These agglomerated particles caused a reduction in material transparency due to light loss via reflection and scattering. However, the incorporation of nano-SiO 2 into the PC matrix greatly improved toughness properties and slightly increased glass-transition temperature (T g ), in conjunction with filler content (up to 4 vol %). This was particularly in the case with the smaller sized nano-SiO 2 , which not only significantly improved toughness but also enhanced optical properties of the PC nanocomposites.

Performance adjustable porous polylactic acid‐based membranes for controlled release fertilizers

“…According to Ref. 56, nanoparticles can achieve toughening polymers without sacrificing their strength. Also, as shown in Figure 3, with the increment of nano‐SiO 2 content in the membranes, the size of pores on the membranes' surfaces turns larger.…”