SIO2 Filler as Interface Modifier in PMMA/ENR 50 Electrolytes

Abstract

Previously, it was found that the brittle properties of polymehyl methacrylate (PMMA) film has been improved when blended with epoxidised natural rubber 50 % (ENR 50) hence enhanced the ionic conductivity of PMMA electrolytes. However, the PMMA and ENR 50 blend was not homogeneous thus limits the overall performance of the blend. Therefore, in this study, silicon dioxide (SiO2) filler was incorporated into the polymer blend film to improve the homogeneity and the ionic conductivity of the system. It was found that the addition of SiO2 has succesfully improve the homogeneity of the blend by assisting the dispersion of ENR 50 in the blend and hence provide better conducting path for the lithium ion. This was confirmed from its differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and optical microscopic (OM) analyses.