| Author(s): |
Yongyan Pang; |
| Title: |
Correlating Nanoparticle Dispersion to Surface Mechanical Properties of TiO2/Polymer Composites |
| Published: |
November 25, 2009 |
| Abstract: |
The main objectives of this study are to characterize the nanoparticle dispersion in polymeric matrices with different mixing chemistry conditions; and to correlate dispersion to surface mechanical properties of the nanopaticle-polymer system. Two types of TiO2 nanoparticles (with and without surface treatment) were chosen to mix in two polymeric matrices of different chemistries: water-borne butyl-acrylic styrene latex coating (Latex) and solvent-borne acrylic urethane (AU). Nanoparticle dispersion (cluster size and spatial distribution) was characterized using laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM). Overall, Particle A (without surface treatment) dispersed better than Particle B (with organic dispersant) in both systems and the Particle A/AU system exhibited the best dispersion state. Surface mechanical properties, such as hardness and Young s modulus at micron and sub-micron length scales were determined from depth sensing indentation. The surface mechanical properties were strongly affected by the dispersion of nanoparticle clusters, and a good correlation was found between locations of the clusters near surface and the modulus-depth mapping. |
| Conference: |
Materials Research Society 2009 |
| Proceedings: |
MRS fall 2009 |
| Pages: |
1 pp. |
| Location: |
Boston, MA |
| Dates: |
November 30-December 4, 2009 |
| Keywords: |
Dispersion; surface mechanical properties; confocal; indentation; coating; TiO2 |
| Research Areas: |
Nanotechnology, Building and Fire Research |
