The Effect of Surface Modification of TiO2 on Mechanical Properties of Polyethylene Composite Film

Abstract

To achieve a proper dispersion of nano-particles polymer matrix and to yield a better compatibility between the nano-particles and polymeric material, the use of different coupling agents for surface modification of nano-particle is recommended. In this research, surface of TiO2 was modified by hydrolytic condensation of titanium isopropoxide with three different silane coupling agents, hexadecyl trimethoxysilane (HTMS), triethoxyvinylsilane (TEVS) and aminopropyl trimethoxysilane (APS). The grafting of silane coupling agents on the TiO2 nano-particles surface was characterized using TGA and FTIR techniques. Mechanical properties of polyethylene composite films were evaluated via tensile strength measurement. Surface morphology of the particle was studied by SEM and TEM. The result showed that surface treatment TiO2 nano-particles with TEVS could improve dispersibility of TiO2 and showed the optimum mechanical properties.