Polydicyclopentadiene Reinforced with Grafted Silica Nanoparticles

Abstract

Polydicyclopentadiene (PDCPD) nanocomposites reinforced with nanoscale silica were prepared by an in-situ polymerization technique in simulating reaction injection molding system. The nanoscale silica particles were treated with toluene diisocynate (TDI) and 5-norbornene-2-carboxylic acid (NCA). The analysis of IR, TGA and dispersion test on the modified nanoscale silica showed the success of surface modification. The incorporation of nanoscale silica of low content had an positive effect on hardness and bending strength of the PDCPD matrix. The wear resistance of PDCPD/ silica nanocomposite is significantly improved in comparison with neat PDCPD, and the SEM micrographs of the worn surface revealed their wear mechanisms.

Keywords:

• Mechanical properties
• Nanoscale silica
• PDCPD
• Surface modification

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Financial support of this work is provided by National Natural Science Foundation of China (51105130), the special project of prophase research of 973 project (2010CB635113), and the Fund of HAUST (2008ZDYY004, 2011SRTP).