Synergetic impacts of two rigid nano‐scale inclusions on the mechanical and thermal performance of POM/carbon black/CaCO3 ternary nanocomposite systems

• Published in: Polymer composites 2022-05, Vol.43 (5), p.3041-3056
• Main Authors: Mohsenzadeh, Rasool, Soudmand, Behzad H., Shelesh‐Nezhad, Karim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Calcium carbonate; Carbon; Carbon black; Cavitation; Energy dissipation; Inclusions; mechanical characterization; Mechanical tests; Modulus of elasticity; Nanocomposites; Nanoparticles; nano‐CaCO3; Photomicrographs; POM; Scanning electron microscopy; Tensile strength; ternary nanocomposite; Thermal analysis
• ISSN: 0272-8397; 1548-0569
• DOI: 10.1002/pc.26598

In the present contribution, the mechanical and thermal characteristics of polyoxymethylene (POM)/carbon black (CB)/CaCO3 (NCC) ternary nanocomposites were assessed through mechanical tests and morphological observations. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) micrographs indicated the uniform distribution of nanoparticles in the matrix. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) revealed a promotion of elastic response and lower energy dissipation in ternary nanocomposites against neat POM and single‐filled POM/CB samples. Tensile strength results showed the increase of tensile modulus and strength by 27% and 8% for the ternary nanocomposite compared to binary POM/CB. Flexural and impact properties were also enhanced with the inclusion of NCC as a second rigid phase. SEM observations of impact‐fractured surfaces at high magnifications revealed full and partial debonding of nanoparticles from the matrix and consequent cavitation in the matrix, which mainly contributed to impact toughening. Hashin‐Shtrikman model was employed to analyze its efficiency to predict Young's modulus of ternary nanocomposite systems. Dynamic Mechanical Thermal Analysis, Tensile and Toughening responses of pure POM and POM nanocomposites