Polycarbonate/TiO2 nanofibers nanocomposite: Preparation and properties

In this study, we explore a new idea to improve the mechanical properties and UV resistance of the polycarbonate (PC) using TiO 2 electrospun nanofibers as polymer additive. Moreover, we describe a new method to functionalize TiO 2 nanofibers using [3‐(2‐aminoethyl)aminopropyl]trimethoxysilane (AMS) by ultrasonic bath. The nanocomposites with several contents of TiO 2 nanofibers (0–5 wt%) were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, uniaxial tensile testing and scanning electron microscopy. The XRD patterns suggest formation of semi‐crystalline polycarbonate regions in nanocomposites with nanofibers previously deagglomerated by ultrasound. Furthermore, the mechanical properties (tensile strength, rupture elongation, elastic modulus and yield strength) and thermal behavior from the nanocomposites are significantly affected by TiO 2 nanofibers content and AMS. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E780–E790, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers