PVA/PTFE nanocomposites: Thermal, mechanical and barrier properties

The thermal, mechanical and barrier properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) nanocomposites were investigated. The morphological characters and the degree of PTFE nanoparticles dispersion within the polymeric matrix were investigated using a SEM 501 Philips microscope on cryogenically fractured surfaces. The thermal stability of the polymer matrix was studied using thermogravimetric analysis. The presence of PTFE nanoparticles was found to improve the resistance of PVA nanocomposites to degradation. Strong improvements of moduli and impact properties was also observed in the polymer matrix.