IEC 36 |
| Richard D. West, Department of Physics, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901-4401 and Vivak M. Malhotra, Physics, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL 62901-4401. |
| It is believed that the formulation of polymer nanocomposites, in which nano-sized (20 < size < 50 nm) particles are dispersed in a polymer matrix, can be utilized to improve the durability and mechanical performance of the materials. However, to achieve these goals, the interaction of nano particles with the polymer matrix and the particles’ dispersion in the matrix need to be understood and controlled. In pursuit of this, we formulated polymer nanocomposites in which nano-sized alumina particles were dispersed in commercial polymer using different approaches. The formulated nanocomposites were subjected to SEM, TEM, XRD, DSC, DMA, and 3-point bending flexural measurements to evaluate the role of dispersion on the thermal and mechanical properties. The incorporation of nano-sized alumina particles: (1) substantially lowered the curing reaction of the polymer as much as by 33 K, (2) induced an additional exothermic reaction, and (3) considerably altered thermomechanical characteristics of the composites. The outcomes were related with the mode of dispersion and any agglomeration of the particles. |
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General Papers in Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology (sponsored by Advanced Materials & Nanotechnology Subdivision)
1:30 PM-5:24 PM, Sunday, March 23, 2003 Convention Center -- Room 394, Oral
Division of Industrial and Engineering Chemistry |