Thermal properties and morphology of a poly(vinyl alcohol)/silica nanocomposite prepared with a self-assembled monolayer technique

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 96; no. 4; pp. 1436 - 1442
• Main Authors: Peng, Zheng, Kong, Ling Xue, Li, Si-Dong
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 15.05.2005; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; monolayers; morphology; nanocomposites; Polymer industry, paints, wood; self-assembly; silicas; Technology of polymers; thermal properties; Self assembly; Monolayer; monolayers; Liquid solid adsorption; Dispersion degree; Dispersion reinforced material; Allylic amine polymer; Experimental study; Silica; nanocomposites; Composite material; Thermal stability; Surface treatment; Polyelectrolyte; Thermal properties; Polyvinylalcohol; Morphology; Nanocomposite; Manufacturing; self- assembly; silicas
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.21583

A poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/silica (SiO2) nanocomposite was prepared with a novel self‐assembled monolayer technique, and its morphology and thermal properties were studied with different material characterization instruments. The treated SiO2 nanoparticles were dispersed in the PVA matrix homogeneously, and the thermal properties of the nanocomposite were markedly improved in comparison with those of pure PVA. Under the same isothermal heating conditions, the decomposition of the nanocomposite was delayed significantly in comparison with that of PVA. The thermal degradation of the nanocomposite was a two‐step reaction, including the degradation of the side chain and main chain. The products of side‐chain degradation were mainly carboxylic acid, whereas main‐chain degradation primarily produced carbon dioxide and low‐molecular‐weight conjugated polyene. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 1436–1442, 2005