Properties and structure of poly(vinyl alcohol)/silica composites

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science 1999-10, Vol.74 (1), p.133-138
• Main Authors: Nakane, Koji, Yamashita, Tomonori, Iwakura, Kenji, Suzuki, Fumio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Applied sciences; composite; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; mechanical properties; poly(vinyl alcohol); Polymer industry, paints, wood; silica; sol-gel process; Technology of polymers
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1097-4628(19991003)74:1<133::AID-APP16>3.0.CO;2-N

The relationships between the properties and structure are discussed for poly(vinyl alcohol)(PVA)/silica composites prepared through the sol‐gel process. The composites became stiff and brittle with increasing the silica content. The properties of the composites were changed drastically at around the composition of PVA/silica = 70/30 wt %. For example, there was no large change in the Young's modulus above 30 wt % of silica content (Pure PVA: 31.8 MPa, silica 30%: 52.6 MPa, silica 50%: 55.2 MPa). Consequently, it was considered that the three‐dimensional network structure of silica could be formed in the composite with more than 30 wt % of silica in PVA. From this behavior, it could be considered that the crystal growth of PVA was remarkably inhibited by silica network. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 74: 133–138, 1999