Correlating Nanoparticle Dispersion to Surface Mechanical Properties of TiO2/Polymer Composites

Published

November 25, 2009

Author(s)

Yongyan Pang

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.

Proceedings Title

MRS fall 2009

Conference Dates

November 30-December 4, 2009

Conference Location

Boston, MA

Conference Title

Materials Research Society 2009

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

Dispersion, surface mechanical properties, confocal, indentation, coating, TiO2

Citation

Pang, Y. (2009), Correlating Nanoparticle Dispersion to Surface Mechanical Properties of TiO2/Polymer Composites, MRS fall 2009, Boston, MA (Accessed October 16, 2025)