Synergic Effect of TiO2 Filler on the Mechanical Properties of Polymer Nanocomposites

Nanocomposites with polymer matrix offer excellent opportunities to explore new functionalities beyond those of conventional materials. TiO2, as a reinforcement agent in polymeric nanocomposites, is a viable strategy that significantly enhanced their mechanical properties. The size of the filler plays an essential role in determining the mechanical properties of the nanocomposite. A defining feature of polymer nanocomposites is that the small size of the fillers leads to an increase in the interfacial area compared to traditional composites. The interfacial area generates a significant volume fraction of interfacial polymer, with properties different from the bulk polymer even at low loadings of the nanofiller. This review aims to provide specific guidelines on the correlations between the structures of TiO2 nanocomposites with polymeric matrix and their mechanical properties. The correlations will be established and explained based on interfaces realized between the polymer matrix and inorganic filler. The paper focuses on the influence of the composition parameters (type of polymeric matrix, TiO2 filler with surface modified/unmodified, additives) and technological parameters (processing methods, temperature, time, pressure) on the mechanical strength of TiO2 nanocomposites with the polymeric matrix.

Automated summary

TiO2 nanocomposites as reinforcement agents significantly enhance mechanical properties, with filler size playing a crucial role. The increase in interfacial area due to small fillers leads to the generation of an interface polymer volume fraction with properties different from bulk polymer, even at low loadings. The paper focuses on the influence of composition and technological parameters on the mechanical strength of TiO2 nanocomposites with polymeric matrix.