Abstract
Abstract Poly(methyl methacrylate)/zirconia (PMMA/ZrO 2 ) nanocomposites with ZrO 2 content as high as 15 wt% were prepared by modifying non-aqueous synthesized ZrO 2 nanoparticles with methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) in tetrahydrofuran, dispersing MPS-functionalized ZrO 2 nanoparticles in MMA and following in situ bulk polymerization with controlled pre-polymerization time. The MPS-functionalized ZrO 2 nanoparticles showed an efficient crosslinking role in the polymerization, leading to a complete gel of PMMA at 5 wt% of ZrO 2 content. Homogeneous dispersion of the ZrO 2 nanoparticles at primary particle size level was observed in all nanocomposites, which results in good clarity of the obtained nanocomposites. Hardness tests (pendulum hardness tests and indentation tests) and anti-scratch tests (abrasion tests and nano scratch tests) were employed to probe the surface mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. The properties of nanocomposites as a function of ZrO 2 content, revealing from various characterization techniques, are not consistent and discussed in detail. At low ZrO 2 content, the mechanical properties are enhanced by the formed crosslinking structure. However, remarkable improvements of hardness and scratch resistance of PMMA were achieved when 15 wt% of ZrO 2 content was embedded.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
