Properties/structure relationships in innovative PCL-SiO2 nanocomposites

Poly(caprolactone) (PCL) based nanocomposites filled with Silica (SiO2) nanoparticles were prepared and the relationships between their structure and properties were investigated. Silica nanoparticles were synthesized by Stober method. Surface of silica nanoparticles were successively functionalized in order to promote matrix/filler compatibilization and to improve interfacial adhesion. Morphological analysis performed on the fractured surface of samples revealed that the compatibilization process permitted to obtain an homogeneous and discrete distribution of the nanoparticles into polymeric matrix. Mechanical test showed that in the presence of a strong interphase, the elastic modulus increases of about 25% than the neat polymeric matrix value. Preliminary modelling analysis was also performed in order to assess the correlation existing between a computational model and experimental data.