Study of polystyrene/titanium dioxide nanocomposites via melt compounding for optical applications

Abstract

Abstract This article presents the study of melt compounding of polystyrene (PS) with various types of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles and surfactants, using a corotating twin screw extruder with multiple screw element configurations. It was found that a properly designed high shear screw configuration and the copolymer of silicone, ethylene oxide, and propylene oxide‐based surfactant produced the greatest degree of nanoparticle dispersion in PS/TiO 2 nanocomposites, whereas a silane‐based surfactant and silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ) or aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ) coated TiO 2 nanoparticles yielded nanocomposites with the least photocatalytic degradation effects and the best retention of tensile and impact properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:241–250, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastic Engineers