Compatibility effect of titanium dioxide nanofiber on reinforced biobased nanocomposites: Thermal, mechanical, and morphology characterization

Titanium dioxide nanofiber (TNF) was synthesized from the anatase phase of titanium dioxide by the hydrothermal process. The synthesized TNF was reinforced with poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) blend to enhance the compatibility and improve the mechanical properties of the blend. The nanocomposite blends were prepared by using a twin-screw extrusion process with different percentages (2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, and 10%) of TNF. The synthesized TNF phase structure was investigated by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared characterization. Enhanced compatibility was observed between the nanofiber and the polymer matrix, which was further confirmed by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis. The synthesized nanocomposites exhibited higher thermal stability and enhanced mechanical properties compared with the neat poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) matrix. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:529-538, 2016. (c) 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers