Dispersion of TiO₂ Nanoparticles in TiO₂/HIPS Composites

Abstract

The dispersion of TiO₂ nanoparticles in high‐impact polystyrene (HIPS) has been studied. The TiO₂ nanoparticles obtained are in a uniform diameter of 20–50 nm and an anatase phase. After being treated by a coupling agent of rear earth‐aluminate, the TiO₂ nanoparticles can be dispersed uniformly in HIPS by using a co‐rotation twin‐screw extruder and an injection mold. When the content of TiO₂ nanoparticles in the composite is 1 wt.%, the optimal mechanical properties are obtained. When the content of TiO₂ nanoparticles in the composite is higher than 1 wt.%, the tensile strength and the Charpy impact decrease because some of the TiO₂ nanoparticles agglomerate and the bend strength and bend modulus have little hange.

Keywords:

• Composites
• dispersion
• nanoparticles
• HIPS