Effect of TiO<sub>2</sub> Nanofillers on Mechanical Properties of PVC/ENR/TiO<sub>2</sub> Nanocomposites

Abstract

Addition of nanoparticles currently in polymer blends has brought tremendous transformation in polymer engineering field. Incorporation of TiO2 nanofillers is believed to enhance the physical and mechanical properties of PVC/ENR blends due to its excellent characteristics including non-toxicity, long term stability and UV light discoloration resistance. The main objective of this research work is to introduce titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanofillers in a range of 0 - 6 phr into polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) blends. Modification on mechanical properties of PVC/ENR blends has successfully been carried via irradiation crosslinking technique. The addition of TiO2 nanofillers has improved the tensile strength and hardness of the nanocomposites. Nevertheless, at higher loading of 6 phr, the results obviously showed an insignificant difference of performances for both tensile strength and shore hardness properties. Upon radiation of 50 kGy, the increase in Ts of the PVC/ENR blends with addition of 4 phr TiO2 was found to be optimum before the Ts value drops with higher exposure to irradiation dose rate. Gel fraction of irradiated PVC/ENR/TiO2 nanocomposites indicates the nanocomposites are crosslinked upon electron beam irradiation. Degree of crosslink was also increased with the addition of 4 phr and 6 phr TiO2.