Preparation and performance of high‐impact polystyrene (HIPS)/nano‐TiO₂ nanocomposites

Abstract

Abstract High‐impact polystyrene (HIPS)/nano‐TiO 2 nanocomposites were prepared by surface pretreatment of nano‐TiO 2 with special structure dispersing agent (TAS) and master batch manufacturing technology. The results show that when the nano‐TiO 2 content is 2%, the notched impact strength, tensile strength, and elastic modulus of HIPS/nano‐TiO 2 nanocomposites increased to a maximum. This result indicates that nano‐TiO 2 has both toughening and reinforcing effects on HIPS. The heat‐deflection temperature and flame‐retardance of HIPS/nano‐TiO 2 nanocomposites are also obviously improved as the nano‐TiO 2 content is increased. The nanocomposites manufactured by the two‐step method have better mechanical properties than that made by a one‐step method. HIPS/nano‐TiO 2 nanocomposites are also non‐Newtonian and pseudoplastic fluids. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 381–385, 2003