Effect of Isocyanate-Modified Fumed Silica on the Properties of Poly(butylene succinate) Nanocomposites

Abstract

Using the grafting method on a silica surface with PBS molecules, we prepared novel poly(butylene succinate) (PBS)/silica nanocomposites to enhance dispersibility and interfacial adhesion between silica particles and the PBS matrix, and also investigated the effects of silica-g-PBS on the PBS matrix using differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron microscopy, a tensile testing machine, and rheometry. The thermal stability, mechanical properties, and rheological properties of PBS nanocomposites containing silica-g-PBS was remarkably improved because of the surface characteristics of the silica grafted with PBS molecules, which provided good compatibility and dispersion. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.