Polycarbonate/TiO2 nanofibers nanocomposite: Preparation and properties

In this study, we explore a new idea to improve the mechanical properties and UV resistance of the polycarbonate (PC) using TiO2 electrospun nanofibers as polymer additive. Moreover, we describe a new method to functionalize TiO2 nanofibers using [3-(2-aminoethyl)aminopropyl]trimethoxysilane (AMS) by ultrasonic bath. The nanocomposites with several contents of TiO2 nanofibers (0–5 wt%) were characterized by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, uniaxial tensile testing and scanning electron microscopy. The XRD patterns suggest formation of semi-crystalline polycarbonate regions in nanocomposites with nanofibers previously deagglomerated by ultrasound. Furthermore, the mechanical properties (tensile strength, rupture elongation, elastic modulus and yield strength) and thermal behavior from the nanocomposites are significantly affected by TiO2 nanofibers content and AMS. POLYM. COMPOS., 2016. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers