Effects of incorporation of modified silica nanoparticles on the mechanical and thermal properties of PMMA (original) (raw)

The incorporation of modified silica nanoparticles into poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) results in significant enhancements of both mechanical and thermal properties. Utilizing atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) to modify silica particles improves their interaction with the PMMA matrix, achieving a storage modulus increase of 40% at 30°C and a 15°C delay in degradation temperatures. The study demonstrates that achieving a homogeneous dispersion of modified nanoparticles within the PMMA matrix is crucial for optimizing these properties.