Abstract
Preparation of polymer composite by using hydrothermally synthesized titanium oxide fillers and its characterization
Author(s): H.P.ShivarajuMetal-oxide nanoparticles can be used to optimize UV absorption and to enhance the stiffness, toughness, and probably the service life of polymeric materials. In the present study TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized under mild hydrothermal conditions (Temperature > 200 OCand Experimental duration >24 h) and as prepared TiO2 nanoparticles are inserted into polyurethane (PU) matrix. Polymer-TiO2 composites have been prepared using castor oil based polyurethane as a host and TiO2 as particulate filler. The prepared PU/ TiO2 composites have been characterized for mechanical properties such as tensile strength and tensile modulus. These PU composites exhibited an improvedmechanical performance compared to the unfilled PU. PU/TiO2 compositeswere prepared by varying amounts ofTiO2 fillers (2.5%, 5%, and 10%) in PUmatrix.As obtained PU/TiO2 compositeswere characterized by analytical techniques like XRD, FTIR, SEM to study the nanostructure and dispersion of TiO2nanoparticles in PU matrix and structure-property relationships. Microstructure, chemical elucidation, TiO2 particles dispersed and other characterizations of PU/TiO2 composites obtained are discussed. The photocatalytic activity and weight loss under the aqueous medium was investigated and mechanistic aspects of the liquid-phase photocatalytic activity, and photodecomposition, their implication for developing photo decomposable polymer composites were discussed.
