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PMMA Based Nanocomposites Filled with Modified CaCO 3 Nanoparticles
Author(s) -
Avella Maurizio,
Errico Maria Emanuela,
Gentile Gennaro
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
macromolecular symposia
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.257
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1521-3900
pISSN - 1022-1360
DOI - 10.1002/masy.200750116
Subject(s) - materials science , nanocomposite , nanoparticle , surface modification , polymer , chemical engineering , composite material , abrasion (mechanical) , calcium carbonate , in situ polymerization , polymerization , nanotechnology , engineering
PMMA based nanocomposites filled with calcium carbonate nanoparticles (CaCO 3 ) have been prepared by in situ polymerization approach. In order to improve inorganic nanofillers/polymer compatibility, PBA chains have been grafted onto CaCO 3 nanoparticle surface. Morphological analysis performed on nanocomposite fractured surfaces has revealed that the CaCO 3 modification induces homogeneous and fine dispersion of nanoparticles into PMMA as well as strong interfacial adhesion between the two phases. Mechanical tests have shown that both unmodified and modified CaCO 3 are responsible for an increase of the Young's Modulus, whereas only PBA‐grafted nanoparticles allow to keep unchanged impact strength, strongly deteriorated by adding unmodified CaCO 3 . Finally, the presence of CaCO 3 nanoparticles significantly improves the abrasion resistance of PMMA also modifying its wear mechanism.