Mechanical properties of titanium dioxide-filled polystyrene microcomposites

Microcomposites of polystyrene with different loading of titanium dioxide fillers were prepared by melt mixing in a brabender plasticorder at a rotor speed of 60 rpm. The mechanical properties of the composites such as tensile behaviour, impact strength and flexural behaviour were studied as a function of filler loading. The tensile moduli of the composites were increased with titanium dioxide content. Tensile strength first showed an increase followed by a decrease at higher loading. To improve adhesion between the filler and the matrix an amino silane coupling agent has been used. The composites with coupling agent showed enhanced mechanical properties. In order to understand the filler dispersion and filler/matrix interaction, the fracture surfaces were examined under SEM. Finally, experimental results were compared with theoretical predictions. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.