Effects of ball milling dispersion of nano‐SiO x particles on impact strength and crystallization behavior of nano‐SiO x –poly(phenylene sulfide) nanocomposites

Ball milling and mixing with strong shear force and strike force were applied to get fine dispersion of nano‐SiO x particles in poly(phenylene sulfide) (PPS) powder. Nano‐SiO x /PPS composites were manufactured by intensive compounding with 3 wt% nano‐SiO x particles. Effects of the ball milling dispersion on crystal behavior and impact strength of nano‐SiO x /PPS nanocomposites were studied. Physical mechanisms of ball milling dispersion were investigated. Evaluations based on both WAXD and DSC indicates that crystallization behavior of nano‐SiO x /heat‐treated PPS (HT‐PPS) nanocomposites was influenced by the ball milling process. Their crystallinity was 25% less while Izod impact strength was 89% better than those of as‐received neat PPS. Increased kinetic energy via ball milling by external work makes nano‐SiO x able to overcome the attraction from itself to prevent agglomeration. Interfacial bonding of two phases between nano‐SiO x and PPS was enhanced by crosslinking in HT‐PPS and reduction in surface tension of interface during ball milling. The bonds allow SiO x to dissipate energy and thus improve PPS impact strength from the addition of nano‐SiO x . POLYM. ENG. SCI., 46:820–825, 2006. © 2006 Society of Plastics Engineers