In-situ synthesis and performance of titanium oxide/poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites

Polymer nanocomposites have elicited extensive research efforts due to their potential to exhibit spectacular properties. They have immense potential and are befitting materials to serve as an ideal and futuristic alternative for varied applications. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and titanium oxide (TiO2) nanocomposites used in this study were fabricated by an in-situ free radical polymerization process. Three point bend tests were conducted with a modified universal microtribometer to evaluate fracture toughness. The results indicated that the stress intensity values increase as the concentration of titanium oxide increases up to 1 vol% and subsequently decrease at higher concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of fracture surfaces afforded clues as to the possible deformation mechanism. Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy (UV-vis) evaluated the degree of transparency of the nanocomposites. It was observed that samples became opaque as the concentration was increased beyond 0.01% volume fraction. X-ray diffraction characterized the TiO2 crystalline phase and Scherrer's equation was used to calculate the crystallite size. Among the concentrations considered the 3% volume fraction sample had the largest crystallite size. Finally, microhardness measurements further characterized the mechanical properties of the composites.