Conductive, Gas Barrier, and Thermal Resistant Behavior of Poly (methyl methacrylate) Composite by Dispersion of ZrO2 Nanoparticles

Poly (methyl methacrylate)/zirconium dioxide (PMMA/ZrO2) nanocomposites were prepared by the incorporation of ZrO2 nanoparticles in various proportions (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10%) with PMMA matrix by in situ emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization technique. The structural property of PMMA/ZrO2 nanocomposites was studied by X-ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The thermal stability of PMMA/ZrO2 nanocomposites was improved with increasing concentration of ZrO2. The electrical conductivity of composites was measured as function of ZrO2 concentration. The oxygen barrier properties of PMMA/ZrO2 nanocomposites were measured by using gas permeameter.