Material Formulations for AR/PMMA and AR-TiO2/PMMA Blends and Effects of UV Radiation and Tio2 Loading on Mechanical and Antibacterial Performances

Polymer blends of poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA) and acrylic rubber(AR) were manufactured with the addition of titanium dioxide (TiO2). TiO2 was initially added to the AR phase in AR/PMMA blends. The impact strength of PMMA improved with AR loading. The addition of TiO2 appeared to decrease the tensile properties of the blends with AR of 10-30 wt% of AR, but increased with AR of 40-50 wt%, this being related to distribution level of TiO2. UV radiation deteriorated the overall mechanical properties, where TiO2 could retain the properties. To achieve acceptable antibacterial performance, AR loadings of 40 and 50 wt% in AR-TiO2/PMMA blends are recommended, together with TiO2 loadings of 1.5 pph and 0.5 pph, respectively. [GRAPHICS] .