Thermal and mechanical characterization of poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites filled with TiO2 nanorods

Thick films of nanocomposites made of poly(methyl methacrylate) matrix and colloidal anatase TiO2 nanorods fillers were prepared by solvent mixing and solution drop casting. Different concentrations of nanorods were tested in order to examine the influence of the nanoscale fillers on the composites material properties and structure. The thermal properties of the samples were investigated through thermogravimetric analysis, which showed an increase in thermal stability of the nanocomposites on increasing nanorods concentration, for the range of concentrations used. The viscoelastic properties were investigated through dynamic mechanical analysis, which showed an increase in both the storage and loss modulus on increasing nanorods concentration. The in-depth distribution of the TiO2 nanorods in the matrix was evaluated through cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy, which pointed out a uniform dispersion of mesoscale nanorods agglomerates with increasing diameter of 100-200 nm range on increasing nanorods concentration. (c) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.