Selective localization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles at the interface and its effect on the impact toughness of poly(L-lactide)/poly(ether)urethane blends
H. Xiu, H. W. Bai, C. M. Huang, C. L. Xu, X. Y. Li, Q. Fu
Vol. 7., No.3., Pages 261-271, 2013
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2013.24
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2013.24
Corresponding author: Q. Fu 
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT
Inorganic nanofillers are often added into polymer/elastomer blends as a third component to modify their performance. This work aims to clarify the role of interface-localized spherical nanoparticles in determining the impact toughness of polymer blends. The selective distribution of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles in poly(L-lactide)/poly(ether) urethane (PLLA/PU) blends was investigated by using scanning electron microscope. It is interesting to find that, regardless of the method of TiO2 introduction, nano-TiO2 particles are always selectively localized at the phase interface between PLLA and PU, leading to a significant improvement in notched Izod impact toughness. The moderately weakened interfacial adhesion induced by the interfacially-localized nano-TiO2 particles is believed to be the main reason for the largely enhanced impact toughness.
