Compatibility effect of titanium dioxide nanofiber on reinforced biobased nanocomposites: Thermal, mechanical, and morphology characterization

Titanium dioxide nanofiber (TNF) was synthesized from the anatase phase of titanium dioxide by the hydrothermal process. The synthesized TNF was reinforced with poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/poly(butylene adipate‐ co ‐terephthalate) blend to enhance the compatibility and improve the mechanical properties of the blend. The nanocomposite blends were prepared by using a twin‐screw extrusion process with different percentages (2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5%, and 10%) of TNF. The synthesized TNF phase structure was investigated by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier‐transform infrared characterization. Enhanced compatibility was observed between the nanofiber and the polymer matrix, which was further confirmed by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy analysis. The synthesized nanocomposites exhibited higher thermal stability and enhanced mechanical properties compared with the neat poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/poly(butylene adipate‐ co ‐terephthalate) matrix. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:529–538, 2016.