Creep resistant polymeric nanocomposites

In the present study, one of the unique improvements in polymer nanocomposites has been detected. Only with a very low volume fraction of inorganic nanoparticles, the creep resistance of thermoplastic could be significantly improved. 21 nm-TiO2/PA6,6 nanocomposites were compounded using a twin-screw-extruder. The final specimens were formed using an injection-moulding machine. Static tension and tensile creep tests were carried out at room and an elevated temperature (50 degreesC). It was found out that the nanoparticles contributed to a remarkable reduction of the creep rate under various constant loads at both temperature levels. It is assumed that the nanoparticles restrict the slippage, reorientation and motion of polymer chains. In this way, they influence the stress transfer on a nanoscale, which finally results in these improvements. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.