Impact Strength Of Nanocomposites Research Articles

Improving the Fracture Toughness and Strength of Epoxy Resin Using NH2‐silica‐C8H17 Janus Nanosheets

AbstractIn this work, a NH2‐silica‐C8H17 Janus nanosheet with short n‐octyl chains on one side and aminopropyl groups on the opposite side was prepared by the sol‐gel method. This nanosheet was used to improve the toughness and strength of epoxy resin. The morphologies and structures of Janus nanosheets and the properties of NH2‐silica‐C8H17/epoxy nanocomposites were characterized. Results show that the addition of Janus nanosheets not only increases the storage modulus and glass transition temperature of nanocomposites, but also improves their mechanical performance and thermal stability. The tensile strength, elongation at break, fracture toughness and impact strength of nanocomposites are increased by ca. 57, 80, 74 and 63 %, respectively, at the 0.5 wt.% loading of Janus nanosheets. These findings suggest that NH2‐silica‐C8H17 Janus nanosheets exert an effective influence on the toughness and strength of ultimate nanocomposites, which is attributed to the fact that NH2‐silica‐C8H17 Janus nanosheet simultaneously contains n‐octyl and aminopropyl groups on both sides, thus improving the nanosheet/matrix interface adhesion.

High toughness, UV & blue light shielding and antibacterial bio-based PEF/TiO2 nanowires composites for packaging application

As a candidate of fossil-based poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), bio-based poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEF) that could be converted from renewable resources has attracted attention from academia and industry. Here, we prepare a series of new type of PEF/TiO2 NWs composites from 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA), ethylene glycol (EG), titanium dioxide nanowire (TiO2 NWs, diameter∼100 nm, length∼20 µm) and dipentaerythritol (Di-PE) via in-situ polymerization. The TiO2 nanowires (0.5∼10 wt‰ based on PEF) and Di-PE (3 mol‰ based on FDCA) were added as fillers and extenders. TiO2 nanowires were distributed in the PEF uniformly, shown by SEM. Compared with pure PEF, the Tg and thermal stability of all nanocomposites got improved. And the impact strength of nanocomposites could reach 60 kJ/m2 in contrast to brittle pure PEF. The UV-A and blue-light shielding of nanocomposites increased from 53 % to 98 % and 28 % to 86 %, respectively, and the nanocomposites still maintained good gas barrier properties. Moreover, the antibacterial activity of nanocomposites against E. coli had increased to 98 %, better than that of the PEF/Ag NWs composites. By uniaxial pre-stretching, the tensile modulus and the elongation at break were improved obviously, from 1840 MPa to 5466 MPa and 4 % to 54 % respectively with pre-stretching ratio increasing. Compared to the PET/TiO2 NWs composites, the PEF/TiO2 NWs composites shows batter thermal property and mechanical property. The PEF/TiO2 NWs composites exhibit potential foreground in the packaging application.

High performance biobased poly(ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) nanocomposites for food and cosmetics packaging materials: PMDA chain extended and TiO2 NPs functionalized

Poly (ethylene 2,5-furandicarboxylate) (PEF) has attracted more attention due to its excellent properties and great potential to be the substitute of the petroleum-based polyethylene terephthalate (PET). However, the improvement of toughness and functionality from nano materials were limited. Here, we prepared novel PEF/TiO2 nanocomposites from dimethyl 2,5-furandicarboxylate (DMFD), ethylene glycol (EG), pyromellitic dianhydride (PMDA) and TiO2 nanoparticles via one-pot polycondensation. The optimized PMDA (5‰ mol/mol of DMFD), TiO2 (60 nm, 0.5-10‰ wt./wt. of PEF) or TiO2 (30 nm or 100 nm, 3‰) served as extender, fillers, and comparison, respectively. The Tgs (∼88 °C) and the thermal stability of all nanocomposites were higher than pure PEF. The crystallization rate of the nanocomposites (60 nm-TiO2, 3‰) was improved mostly, and its half-crystallization time (t1/2) decreased to 6.16 min at 160 °C. The impact strength of nanocomposites (60 nm-TiO2, 10‰) could reach to 52.2 × 103 J/m2. Interestingly, the ultraviolet and blue-light shielding of PEF/TiO2 nanocomposites increased from 45.4% to 93.5% and 21.5% to 74.3%, respectively. The antibacterial activity of nanocomposites against E. coli also increased to 83%. The maximum migration of Ti during 35 d was 1.82 µg/g (FDA and EU guidance level are 10 µg/g). PEF/TiO2 nanocomposites shown great potential in industrial production and application.

Deformation dynamics of h-BN reinforced polyethylene nanocomposite under shock/impact loading

The aim of this article was to reveal the dynamic and structural response of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) reinforced polyethylene (PE) nanocomposites under shock/impact loading. Micro and nano scale deformation dynamics of h-BN reinforced PE nanocomposites were captured using experimental and atomistic-based combined approaches. The experimental approach was adopted to investigate the effect of fabrication techniques and the concentration of boron nitride nanoplatelets (BNNP) on the impact behavior of PE-based nanocomposites. The impact strength of nanocomposites was studied with the help of differential scanning calorimetry in conjunction with the plastic deformation governing mechanism captured using the micrographs of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It was reported from the experiments that the crystallinity of BNNP/PE nanocomposites is significantly affected by the fabrication technique. The BNNP/PE nanocomposites fabricated with the solvent blending method show superior impact strength as compared to samples fabricated using the colloidal solution method at the same BNNP weight concentration of 5%. It was also revealed from the SEM observations that the addition of BNNP to the PE matrix shifts the plastic deformation mechanism from a combination of craze and drawing of fibrils in pure PE to brittle failure in BNNP/PE nanocomposites. To complement the experimental observations, molecular dynamics-based simulations were performed to study the effect of orientation and distribution of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNS) on shock mitigation capabilities of BNNS/PE nanocomposite. It was predicted from MD simulations that a parallel oriented nanosheet remains longer in contact with the shock, which helps in dissipating energy from the shock wave. As compared to stacked, dispersed nanosheets have superior shock attenuation capabilities. These findings could be helpful to design a roadmap for shock wave mitigation through impedance mismatch and energy disruption across the multiple interfaces of BNNS and polymer matrix.

Mechanical and tribological properties of TiC nano particles reinforced polymer matrix composites

The main objective of this study is to assess the performance of TiC nanoparticles in epoxy resin and epoxy nanocomposites. The ultrasound mixing method was used to ensure that these nanoparticles were homogeneously dispersed into epoxy. Various mechanical and tribological testing was conducted for mechanical characteristics and the wear performance of epoxy Nanocomposites including three-point bending testing, Izod Impact Test and Ring Wear pin were made. Addition of TiC nanoparticles increased the bending strength and impact strength of nanocomposites. Furthermore it brings about a significant decrease in wear and friction factor of TiC nanoparticles into a low value epoxy resin matrix. The diffusion of TiC nanoparticles into the epoxy matrix and freight could be attributed to these effects.

High Content of Siliconized MWCNTs and Cobalt Nanowire with E-Glass/Kenaf Fibers as Promising Reinforcement for EMI Shielding Material

Radar absorbing structures (RASs) through amended mechanical properties and sub-wavelength thickness are of private interest for EMI control and aerospace applications. The RAS present the appropriate hybrid polymer composite (HPMC) has been reinforced through surface treated E-glass/Kenaf fiber prepreg and multi wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) nano-particles/Cobalt nanowire (Co NW) versus modify volume. To reinforce best the adhesion and dispersion of fillers into epoxy polymer matrix surface modified (S-M) operation has been achieved on both fiber and nano-particles via an amino functional silane 3-Aminopropyltrimethoxysilane (APTMS). Specified volume of S-M 15 vol% both E-glass/Kenaf fibers were placed over with 3 and 6 vol.% of MWCNTs into the dielectric polymer layer to produce a hybrid nanocomposite. Validation of S-M nanoparticle and fiber reinforcement into the epoxy matrix were detected through mechanical analysis such as tensile, flexural, impact behavior. The scanning electron microscopy was used to find the size of MWCNTs particles/Co NW adhesion goodness of fibers with epoxy resin matrix. Tensile, flexural, impact strength of nanocomposites was afflicted by reinforcing S-M fiber and particle. Well dispersion of reinforcement in epoxy was done with (SM) APTMS.

Synthesis and characterization of novel polyimide/clay nanocomposites and processing, properties and applications

Mixed matrix membranes (MMMs) with cloisite® 15A clay in polyimide (PI) matrix were matured for gas separation applications. The inorganic cations of clay were replaced with cloisite® 15A as modifier. The altered cloisite® 15A clay showed excellent dispersion in the polymer matrix as evident from TEM micrographs. Uniform dispersion of cloisite® 15A clay improved the thermal properties of MMMs. The synthesized membranes were characterized by utilizing various spectrometer including FE-SEM, XRD, DTG, and TEM. FE-SEM results showed that at 3 wt% of clay15A, the fillers were dispersed homogeneously within the PI polymer matrix. The tensile properties of PI/cloisite® 15A clay nanocomposites increased gradually according to clay content increasing. The impact strength of nanocomposites was not altered until 3 wt% of clay and decreased at 5 wt% clay loading. Layered silicate cloisite® 15A clay particle plays major several key roles in determining the gas permeation behavior of the hybrid membrane. It was no surprise that the gas permeation flux was decreasing with the addition of layered silicate cloisite® 15A clay into the PI matrix. However, it was interesting to point that the pure gas selectivity was seen to be increased by decreasing the filler loading. At 1 wt% clay loading, cloisite® 15A clay MMMs showed an increase of 55% in CO2/CH4 ideal selectivity over pristine PI membrane.

An approach to the optimization of mechanical properties of polypropylene/nitrile butadiene rubber/halloysite nanotube/polypropylene‐g‐maleic anhydride nanocomposites using response surface methodology

AbstractIn this article, response surface methodology (RSM) has been applied to simultaneously optimize the tensile and impact strength of polypropylene (PP)/nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR)/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs)/maleic anhydride (MA)‐grafted‐PP nanocomposites. Three levels of material parameters, including NBR (10, 20, and 30 wt%), HNTs (1, 3, and 5 wt%), and PP‐g‐MA (3, 9, and 15 wt%) as compatibilizers were used to design the experiments according to Box‐Behnken design. In order to investigate the morphology of nanocomposite samples, a scanning electron microscope was used. The model predicted that both the tensile strength and impact strength of nanocomposite were peaked between middle and high levels of HNTs content. There was also a peak for NBR loading in the main effect plot of impact strength. Two‐way interactions of all parameters were significantly affecting both responses. Based on RSM models using the desirability function, the optimum values of input parameters leading to optimized tensile strength and impact strength were predicted to be 17.87, 4.35, and 15 wt% for NBR, HNT, and PP‐g‐MA, respectively. Confirmation experiments were in good agreement with the predicted values.

Performance of Novel Engineered Materials from Epoxy Resin with Modified Epoxidized Natural Rubber and Nanocellulose or Nanosilica

Performance of new engineered material from epoxy resins with modified epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) and nanofillers were investigated. ENR from renewable natural crop resources is a type of green material with potential to partially substitute or replace and toughen petrochemical-based polymers. Nanocomposites (epoxy resin/ENR/fillers nanoparticles) were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), dynamic light scattering (DLS), atomic force microscope (AFM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Comparison of characterized and mechanical properties of nanofiller reinforced with both nanocellulose and nanosilica were studied. The nanocomposites were characterized for their mechanical properties (e.g., impact strength, tensile strength) and thermal degradation behaviour by thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Mechanical property investigation results show that, the impact strength of nanocomposites, can be improved by blending in ENR 50 mixed with nanofiller, relative to the baseline nanocomposite mixers. The nanofiller loading in epoxy composite showed the highest improvement in mechanical properties at 0.75 phr (parts per hundred of resin). Effects of accelerated weathering aging were evaluated, and the observed changes were larger with nanosilica than with nanocellulose filler. Here, the accelerated aging increase in tensile properties was found to be 10% after 14 days in both nanofillers, while the other mechanical properties did not change significantly. These nanocomposites are expected to have high wear rates limiting their service life.

Utilization of agrowaste-derived nanoparticles as reinforcement in microfilled epoxy composites

The substantial release of oil palm ash into ground water has been a serious concern to the environmentalist due to the enormous generation of oil palm ash waste from oil palm incineration. The effective utilization of this agrowaste is yet to be fully exploited. In this context, herein we, investigated the potential of oil palm ash nanofiller as an effective reinforcement in epoxy-based composites. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that the prepared oil palm ash nanoparticles had circular morphology with particle size in the range of 20 to 25 nm. X-ray diffraction patterns of the prepared oil palm ash nanoparticles revealed the crystalline nature of the oil palm ash nanoparticles. Tensile strength and tensile modulus of the epoxy composites were substantially improved to 64, 67, 70, and 75 MPa and 1.01, 1.05, 1.16, and 1.18 MPa at oil palm ash nanofiller loading of 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%, respectively. The impact strength of nanocomposite was enhanced from 2.7015 ± 0.13 kJ/m2 to 3.98 ± 0.17kJ/m2 at 3% of oil palm ash nanofiller loading. The optimum values of mechanical properties were attained at 4% filler loading, after which further loading resulted in the decrement of mechanical properties of epoxy nanocomposite. Thermal stability of the epoxy nanocomposite was enhanced substantially to 435 °C by the incorporation of oil palm ash nanofillers. This study proved that nano-sized oil palm ash could be an efficient reinforcement in polymer composite.

Synergistic Effect of Micro and Nano Fillers on Mechanical and Thermal Behavior of Glass-Basalt Hybrid Nano Composites

This article deals with the combined effect of micro and nano fillers on mechanical, thermal and morphological behavior of glass-basalt hybrid composites (GB). Three material systems were selected for the study: glass-basalt fiber reinforced 80 wt. % PA66 – 20 wt. % PTFE blend (GB), GB/Micro fillers (MoS2, SiC, Al2O3) (GBM) and GBM/nano fillers (TiO2) (GBN). It has been revealed from the experimentation that the effect of micro fillers deteriorated the mechanical behavior of micro composites (GBM). But the combined effect of micro and nano fillers slightly impaired the mechanical behavior of nano composites. The synergistic effect of micro and nano fillers constrained the loss of strength of nano composites. But the impact strength of nano composites has been improved due to hybrid fillers effect. The hybrid effect of fillers significantly improved the thermal stability of nano composites. Further, it is observed from the morphology that the fractured surfaces were characterized by fiber pull out and fiber overlapping, severe deformation and agglomeration of nano particles.

Recycled Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate)/Clay Nanocomposites: Rheology, Thermal and Mechanical Properties

Polymer nanocomposites containing recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (r-PET) as a polymer matrix and Cloisite® 10A as a reinforcement were prepared through melt compounding. First, a masterbatch containing 20 wt% of Cloisite® 10A clay was prepared and later diluted with neat r-PET to obtain nanocomposites containing 1, 2, 4 and 6 wt% of clay. The rheological, thermal, mechanical and morphological properties of the PET–clay nanocomposites were characterized. The complex viscosity of the nanocomposites gradually increases with increase in clay content. The storage modulus and loss modulus of nanocomposite containing 1 wt% of clay was similar to neat r-PET but increases with increase in clay content. Incorporation of clay into a r-PET slightly increases the crystallisation temperature and degree of crystallinity due to the heterogenous nucleating effect of clay. Thermal stability and glass transition temperature of nanocomposite containing Cloisite® 10A clay at lower loadings was similar to r-PET and gradually decreases with increase in clay content. The tensile properties of PET–clay nanocomposites increased gradually with clay content. The impact strength of nanocomposites was not altered until 4 wt% and decreased at 6 wt%. Morphological investigations indicated homogeneous dispersion of clay in r-PET.

Enhancement in mechanical properties and conductivity of modified epoxy resin composites

Nanosilver and nanonickel were first loaded on the surfaces of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) by liquid-phase reduction method and the multiwalled carbon nanotubes/nanosilver-nickel (MWCNTs/Ag-Ni) composites were formed. The MWCNTs/Ag-Ni were homogeneously dispersed in the epoxy resin (EP), which can form epoxy resin/multiwalled carbon nanotubes/nanosilver-nickel (EP/MWCNTs/Ag-Ni) composites. The results based on X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy show the chemical bonds in the MWCNTs/Ag-Ni. By the scanning electron microscope method, it can be concluded that the enhancement in mechanical properties is due to the strong interaction between MWCNTs and the EP matrix. It is proved that through the comparative tests, the addition of nanosliver-nickel rigid particles can enhance the interaction between MWCNTs and the EP matrix, which can improve the mechanical properties of modified EP. Compared with the pure EP, the tensile strength and impact strength of nanocomposites improve around 81% and 139% by adding 1.3 wt% MWCNTs/Ag-Ni. In addition, the experimental results based on dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) show that the glass transition temperature of modified EP (1.3 wt% MWCNTs/Ag-Ni in EP matrix) is significantly increased by about 18.6°C. Compared with the pure EP, the conductivity of modified EP (1.3 wt% MWCNTs/Ag-Ni in EP matrix) is also increased by around 63%. Because of the excellent mechanical properties and conductivity of EP/MWCNTs/Ag-Ni nanocomposites, the development of high-performance polymer materials will be greatly achieved.

Thermal, Mechanical, and Electrical Properties of Alkyd-Epoxy Resin Nanocomposites Modified with 3-Glycidyloxypropyl-POSS

ABSTRACTIn this work, alkyd resin and 3-glycidyloxypropyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes were synthesized from castor oil and siloxane, respectively, and used to as the modifier of the epoxy resins. Laminate of fiberglass-reinforced composite were prepared from alkyd-epoxy resin with different 3-glycidyloxypropyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes content. The properties of nanocomposite were characterized. The results showed that the 3-glycidyloxypropyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes could increase the impact strength of nanocomposite. When the content of 3-glycidyloxypropyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes is 6 wt% of the alkyd resin, the Tg enhances to 5.2°C, the impact strength increases to 53.01 kJ/m2 (64%), but the tensile strength decreases 15.03 MPa (7.6%). Nanocomposite has good electrical properties and insulating properties.

Processing of polyethylene terephthalate fiber reinforcement to improve compatibility with constituents of GFRP nanocomposites

ABSTRACTThe aim of the present research was to improve the impact strength of epoxy-based glass fiber-reinforced nanocomposites by the addition of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) fibers as reinforcement along with nanoclay. Hybrid nanocomposites containing clay as nano-filler and PET fibers as micro-reinforcement were fabricated. Nanocomposites with 1 phr clay and varying concentrations of PET fibers (1–3 phr) were processed using a vacuum-assisted hand layup. Addition of untreated PET fibers did not improve the impact strength of nanocomposites due to the lack of interaction between the inert PET fibers and other constituents. To improve the interfacial interaction, two different compatibilization procedures for the surface modification of PET fibers were used. In the first procedure, silane treatment of fibers was performed using two separate silane agents. In the second method, maleic anhydride (MAH) grafting was performed in the presence of ultraviolet radiations. Compatibilization of fibers was confirmed with scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM-EDS) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results of impact and tensile testing showed an improvement of 19% in the impact strength of nanocomposites at 2 phr silane-treated PET fiber loading without significant loss in tensile strength. Finally, scanning electron micrographs of various nanocomposites were analyzed to correlate with the improved impact strength.

Effects of mixed contents of carbon nanoreinforcements on the impact resistance of epoxy-based nanocomposites

The impact behavior of epoxy-based nanocomposites reinforced with carbon nano tube (CNT), carbon nano fiber (CNF) and mixed contents of these nanoparticles was investigated using Izod impact test. The results showed that while the impact strength of nanocomposites containing 1 wt% of CNT and 1 wt% of CNF increased 19% and 13% respectively, addition of mixed contents of these nanofillers (0.5-0.5 wt%) demonstrated higher improvement (21%) in the impact resistance. The trend of the results is explained on the basis of different fracture mechanisms of nanocomposites. Furthermore, the fracture surface of specimens and the dispersion state of nanoenhancers have been studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) photographs.

High Impact Toughness ABS/CaCO<sub>3</sub> Nanocomposites Prepared through Pressure Induced Flow Moulding

ABS/CaCO3 nanocomposite with super toughness was processed by pressure induced flow (PIF) moulding. After PIF processing, the impact toughness of ABS/CaCO3 nanocomposite improved remarkably, the average highest Izod impact strength of nanocomposite increased to around 69 kJ/m2, which was 2.3 times higher than that of orignal ABS. Moreover, the relative toughening mechanism was investigated. The disk-like rubber domain and the cavities caused by calcium carbonate were researched by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). The synergy of them could prevent the craze becoming a large crack effectively.

Effect of compatibilizer and organoclay content on structure, thermal, and mechanical properties of poly(butylene succinate)/(Ethylene acrylic acid)/Organoclay nanocomposites

Poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)/(ethylene acrylic acid) (EAA)/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared by using the melt intercalation technique. EAA was used as compatibilizer and organoclay was used as inorganic filler. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy results indicated the addition of compatibilizer led to a large increase in basal spacing of nanocomposites and better overall dispersion of organoclay in the PBS matrix. However, the basal spacing was found to be invariant as the organoclay content increased. The differential scanning calorimetry analyses revealed that the incorporation of the organoclay and EAA and the variation of organoclay content altered the melting behavior and crystallization properties of PBS. Storage and loss modulus of virgin matrix increased with the incorporation of organoclay and EAA, and a maximum for the nanocomposite with 9 wt% organoclay. Moreover, the glass transition temperatures also increased for the various organoclay-containing samples. Mechanical properties showed an increase with the incorporation of organoclay and EAA. The 5 wt% organoclay-filled PBS gave the highest tensile strength and notched Izod impact strength among all the composites. Further increments in organoclay loading reduced the tensile strength and notched impact strength of nanocomposites, which was thought to be the result of agglomeration. However, increments in clay loading enhanced the flexural strength and flexural modulus of nanocomposites, with a maximum at 9 wt% organoclay. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers

Preparation and characterization of nanocomposites based on amino group-terminated multi-wall carbon nanotubes and bismaleimide resin

In this work, a novel nanocomposite consisting of bismaleimide resin (BMI) and amino group-terminated multi-wall carbon nanotubes (NH2-MWNTs) have been discussed. The fluorinating MWNTs (F-MWNTs) were synthesized by solid-phase method and the NH2-MWNTs were prepared by interaction of the F-MWNTs with 1,2-diaminoethane. The NH2-MWNTs/BMI nanocomposites have been prepared by solution blend method. Their morphology and properties were characterized by transmission electron microscope, fourier transmission infrared, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, etc. The results showed that impurities in the MWNTs were removed after the purification treatment and amine groups have been successfully attached to the purified MWNTs. The impact strength of the NH2-MWNTs/BMI nanocomposites increased firstly as the NH2-MWNTs increased and then decreased. When the content of the NH2-MWNTs is 0.6 wt%, the impact strength of nanocomposites is optimal (about 12.57 kJ/m2) which increase by 58.51% compared with the neat BMI resin.

Effect of Compatibilizer on Impact Strength and Morphology of Polystyrene/Zinc Oxide Nanocomposites

This article investigated the effects of particle size of zinc oxide (ZnO) and polystyrene-co-maleic anhydride (SMA) compatibilizer on impact strength and morphology of polystyrene (PS)/ZnO71 (71 nm) and PS/ZnO250 (250 nm) nanocomposites. PS/ZnO nanocomposites with varying concentration of ZnO and SMA were prepared by a melt mixing technique in a twin screw extruder. It was found that the impact strength of PS nanocomposites increased up to a ZnO content of 1.0 wt%. Moreover, PS/ZnO250 nanocomposites had higher impact strength than PS/ZnO71 nanocomposites. The addition of SMA increased the impact strength of PS/ZnO nanocomposites with increasing SMA content. The result showed that SMA could improve impact strength of nanocomposites. The dispersion of ZnO particles on PS/ZnO nanocomposites was studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM). It was observed that the dispersion of ZnO particles of PS/ZnO nanocomposites without SMA was non-uniform and the agglomeration of ZnO particles in the polymer matrix increased with increasing ZnO content. The dispersion of ZnO particles of PS/ZnO nanocomposites after adding SMA was relatively good and only few aggregations exist. These observations support the results of the impact test where the PS/ZnO nanocomposites with SMA displayed higher impact strength than the PS/ZnO nanocomposites without SMA. The study showed that SMA was used as a compatibilizer to improve the dispersability and compatibility of ZnO particles in PS matrix.