Combination of titanium dioxide and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane nanofillers to boost mechanical and rheological properties of polyolefins: Recycling possibility

Abstract

Recycling of polyolefins has become a on-demand route to avoid its environmental threats. Nevertheless, drop of properties after re-extrusion necessitates use of reinforcing agents to compensate for poor mechanical properties. The incorporation of nanoparticles into plastics can boost their mechanical and rheological properties due to the hard nanocrystalline phases. This study aims to promote and identify a polyolefin-based nanocomposite by combination of TiO2 and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) at concentration of 1, 3, and 6 wt% in a twin-screw extruder. The nanocomposites were characterized for mechanical and rheological properties. Overall, the results showed that the mechanical properties were improved by adding particles up to 6 wt% loadings. The magnitude of this effect was dependent on the nanofiller weight fraction and particle size. Well-dispersion and, as a result, enhancing the viscosity, modulus, and hardness in the sample containing 3 wt% TiO2 and 3 wt%. POSS was due to the presence of hydroxyl functional groups on its surface. Glass transition temperature and crystallinity of the samples did not show a significant change due to the neutral role of nanoparticle nucleation in the matrix.