Abstract
In the present investigation, solution casting method was used for the preparation of nanocomposite (NC) films. At first, the surface of ZrO2 nanoparticles (NPs) was modified with vitamin B1 (VB1) as a bioactive coupling agent to achieve a better dispersion and compatibility of NPs within the poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) matrix. The grafting of modifier on the surface of ZrO2 was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Finally, the resulting modified ZrO2 (ZrO2–VB1), was used as a nano-filler and incorporated into the PVC matrix to improve its mechanical and thermal properties. These processes were carried out under ultrasonic irradiation conditions, which is an economical and eco-friendly method. The effect of ZrO2–VB1 on the properties and morphology of the PVC matrix was characterized by various techniques. Field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses showed a good dispersion of fillers into the PVC matrix with the average diameter of 37–40 nm. UV–Vis spectroscopy was used to study optical behavior of the obtained NC films. TGA analysis has confirmed the presence of about 7 wt% VB1 on the surface of ZrO2. Also, the data indicated that the thermal and mechanical properties of the NC films were enhanced.
Highlights
The way to expand the nanocomposites (NCs) area is to add modified nanoparticles (NPs) into the polymer matrices or by linkage synthetic polymers onto surface of inorganic particles [1]
ZrO2–vitamin B1 (VB1) NPs are used for the synthesis of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/ZrO2–VB1 NC films
transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) confirmed that NPs dispersed well after the surface modification
Summary
The way to expand the nanocomposites (NCs) area is to add modified nanoparticles (NPs) into the polymer matrices or by linkage synthetic polymers onto surface of inorganic particles [1]. NCs obtained by incorporation of different types of nano-fillers such as metal oxide NPs are characterized by improved mechanical, thermal, optical and catalytic properties. Among all the inorganic nano-fillers, metal oxides such as ZrO2 NPs has a great deal of attention, because of their properties such as high thermal stability, high oxygen ion conductivity, high refractive index and band gap [2], mechanical stability and biocompatibility [10]. First a bioactive coupling agent (VB1) was chosen for the surface modification of ZrO2 NPs in order to achieve excellent dispersion and improve interface between ZrO2 NPs and PVC matrix. The modified ZrO2 (ZrO2–VB1) was integrated into the PVC matrix to improve its thermal, morphological, mechanical and optical properties. Tensile tests were performed to characterize the NCs mechanical behavior
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