Effect of metal oxide nanoparticles on the mechanical properties and tacticity of poly(methyl methacrylate)

Nanoparticles were incorporated into poly(methyl methacrylate) matrix by the mean of in situ bulk polymerization. Particle chemistry, size, shape, and percent loading were experimental variables in the synthesis and mechanical properties were assessed, particularly impact resistance, which showed improvement at the optimal particle loading. In assessing the mechanisms of this improvement, the elongated shape of zinc oxide particles appears to promote crack deflection processes to introduce a pull-out mechanism similar to that observed in fiber composite systems. Raman spectroscopy was performed to examine the effect of polymer chain conformation and configuration with the addition of nanoparticles.