The
anti-aging agent TiO2–polyacrylonitrile (PAN)
and the mechanical strengthening agent CSW–PAN were prepared
by radical polymerization using rutile nano-titanium dioxide (TiO2) and anhydrous calcium sulfate whisker (CSW) as raw materials.
The structures of TiO2–PAN and CSW–PAN were
characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)
and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Simultaneously, the mechanical
properties, aging properties, and thermal stability of TiO2–PAN/CSW–PAN/polypropylene (PP) composites were studied,
and the results showed that the surfaces of nano-titanium dioxide
and calcium sulfate whiskers were successfully grafted with acrylonitrile.
Owing to the introduction of new elements, such as acrylonitrile,
nano-titanium dioxide and calcium sulfate whiskers have anti-aging
properties. In comparison of the impact strength and tensile strength
of TiO2–PAN/PP and TiO2–PAN/CSW–PAN/PP
before aging, it can be proven that adding CSW–PAN can significantly
enhance the mechanical properties of TiO2–PAN/CSW–PAN/PP.
After 1000 h of aging, the tensile strength of the ternary composite
TiO2–PAN/CSW–PAN/PP was 19.88 MPa when the
addition amount of TiO2–PAN and CSW–PAN was
3%. Moreover, the impact strength of the ternary composite material
TiO2–PAN/CSW–PAN/PP after 1000 h of aging
is even better than that of non-aging pure PP materials, proving that
the service life of improved PP products is extended, unnecessary
waste and environmental pollution can be relieved, and the needs of
specific engineering fields can be met.