Preparation and Utilization of Polystyrene Nanocomposites Based on TiO2 Nanowires

Successful preparation of titanium dioxide nanowires (TiO 2 -NWs), by a hydrothermal method, then embraced in polystyrene (PS) to form nanocomposites using emulsion polymerization of styrene monomer in presence of different ratios of TiO 2 nanowires. The morphology and crystalline structure of the p...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Polymer-plastics technology and engineering 2013-02, Vol.52 (3), p.228-235
Main Authors: Youssef, Ahmed M., Malhat, Farag M., Abd El-Hakim, AbouEl Fettouh A.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Composites
Emulsion polymerization
Exact sciences and technology
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
Nanocomposites
Nanowires
Organochlorine pesticide
Pollution
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Polystyrene
Technology of polymers
Water treatment and pollution
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Summary:Successful preparation of titanium dioxide nanowires (TiO 2 -NWs), by a hydrothermal method, then embraced in polystyrene (PS) to form nanocomposites using emulsion polymerization of styrene monomer in presence of different ratios of TiO 2 nanowires. The morphology and crystalline structure of the prepared TiO 2 were proved by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The thermal stability of the nanocomposites, measured by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), was found to be upgraded especially at higher loading %s of the nanowires irrespective to pure polystyrene. Furthermore, polystyrene nanocomposites (modified with 4%, 8% and 12% of TiO 2 nanowires) were used to remove organochlorine pesticide (OCPs) residues from contaminated water. GLC results showed that the pristine TiO 2 nanowires has a poor affinity for removing OCPs residues (from 8.82 to 70%), whereas polystyrene/TiO 2 -NWs nanocomposites are powerful material for removing OCPs residues (61.76 to 98.64%) due to changing of TiO 2 nanowires surfaces from completely hydrophilic to hydrophobic structure as proven by contact angle results. These nanocomposites materials can be used for packaging application and the mainly application of these materials in a water filter, which may be a promising and economically feasible technology for wastewater purification.
ISSN:0360-2559
1525-6111
DOI:10.1080/03602559.2012.735311