A study of solubility parameters on dispersion, dissolution, and homogenization of reinforcement TiO2 and poly(4-methyl-1-Pentene) in different solvents for the fabrication of TiO2/PMP composite film

Abstract

This research study reports the significance of solubility of filler and polymer in the solvents to fabricate polymer composite films with desired properties. It also discusses the importance of the selection of appropriate solvents in synthesizing polymer composite film and its effect on the properties of the film. In the present work, inorganic material titanium dioxide (TiO2) is used as reinforcement in polymer matrix Poly(4-methyl-1-Pentene) to synthesize TiO2/PMP composite using four solvents. The solubility parameters of filler and matrix materials are studied using the concept of Hansen's solubility parameter and Teas graph. The morphology and composition of the composite sample are analyzed using Scanning Electron Microscopy and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy. The experimental results indicated that the solubility of filler and polymer in the solvent was one of the prime factors in the synthesis of polymer composite film. The selection of appropriate solvent was essential to prevent the composite from solubility failures.