Synthesis, characterisation and flame, thermal and electrical properties of poly (n-butyl methacrylate)/titanium dioxide nanocomposites

Nanocomposites based on poly (n-butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) with various concentrations of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were synthesised by in situ free radical polymerisation method. The formation of nanocomposite was characterised by FTIR, UV, XRD, DSC, TGA, impedance analyser and flame retardancy measurements. FTIR and UV spectrum ascertained the intermolecular interaction between nanoparticles and the polymer chain. The XRD studies indicated that the amorphous region of PBMA decreased with the increase in content of metal oxide nanoparticles. The SEM revealed the uniform dispersion of nanoparticles in the polymer composite. The DSC and TGA studies showed that the glass transition temperature and thermal stability of the nanocomposites were increased with the increase in the concentration of nanoparticles. The conductivity and dielectric properties of nanocomposites were higher than pure PBMA and the maximum electrical property was observed for the sample with 7 wt% TiO2. As the concentration of nanoparticles increased above 7 wt%, the electrical property of nanocomposite was decreased owing to the agglomeration of nanoparticles in the polymer. Nanoparticles could impart better flame retardancy to PBMA/TiO2 composite and the flame resistance of the materials improved with the addition of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix.