Study of morphology, mechanical properties, and thermal degradation of polycarbonate-titania nanocomposites as function of titania crystalline phase and content

Titania nanoparticles were prepared using a solgel method and calcination at 200 degrees C and 600 degrees C to obtain anatase and rutile phases, respectively. The obtained powders were used to prepare polycarbonate (PC)-titania nanocomposites by melt compounding. The effect of different crystalline phases and amounts of titania, in the range 15 wt%, on the morphology, mechanical properties, and thermal degradation kinetics of PC was investigated. The results show that the filler modified the plasticity or rigidity of the polymer and influenced the degradation kinetics, in different ways depending on the type and amount of titania. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. (C) 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers