Enhanced properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride) with low filler content SiO2-g-(MMA-co-BA) core-shell nanoparticles

Abstract

γ-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxysilane (γ-MPS) modified nano-silica particles (85 nm) were prepared and used to copolymerize with methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butylacrylate (BA) monomers by miniemulsion polymerization method. The obtained SiO2-g-(MMA-co-BA) nanoparticles with different core/shell ratios were used to improve the properties of poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF). SEM result showed SiO2-g-(MMA-co-BA) nanoparticles dispersed in PVDF matrix uniformly due to the good miscibility between PVDF and MMA-co-BA shell. The prepared SiO2-g-(MMA-co-BA) particles behaved a novel toughening ability and even 1 wt% modifier could induce the ductile fracture of PVDF and the PVDF blends showed an excellent toughness and stiffness balance. The toughening mechanism results indicated that debonding between the PVDF and SiO2-g-(MMA-co-BA) particles promoted shear yielding of PVDF matrix. The novel toughening behavior of PVDF was also related with the crystal transformation. During the notched Izod impact test, the α→β phase transformation took place, which should play an important role in toughening of PVDF.