Effect of PbO Incorporation with Different Particle Sizes on Structural and Mechanical Properties of Polystyrene

Abstract

Abstract Two different sizes of lead oxide (PbO) nanoparticles, notably PbO(A) and PbO(B) with sizes of 78 and 54 nm, respectively, were produced using a high-speed planetary ball milling machine under specific operating parameters. Following this, the novel polystyrene (PS) nanocomposite PS/PbO was prepared using compression molding by embedding 10, 15, 25, and 35 wt. % of PbO(Bulk), PbO(A), and PbO(B) into PS separately. The composite was further characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). FTIR results confirmed the presence of PbO and indicated physical adsorption of the nanoparticle onto the PS matrix surface. SEM, EDS, and LIBS analyses revealed a more efficient diffusion of PbO in the PS matrix with the decrease of the nanoparticle size. On the other hand, tensile and Vickers microhardness tests were performed to investigate the composite’s mechanical properties. The stiffness was, indeed, enhanced with increasing weight fraction as well as with decreasing particle size of PbO. The strength of the composite was optimized with 15 wt. % of PbO. The microhardness test revealed an indentation size effect behavior of the composite and an increase in Hv values with PbO loads up to 15 wt. %. Accordingly, by adjusting the filler particle size and concentration, the mechanical properties of the composite were enhanced, increasing their use in a variety of applications such as coating, insulation, and radiation shield.