Nanocomposites based on poly (n-butyl methacrylate) (PBMA) with various concentrations of titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles were synthesised by in situ free radical polymerisation method. The formation of nanocomposite was characterised by FTIR, UV, XRD, DSC, TGA, impedance analyser and flame retardancy measurements. FTIR and UV spectrum ascertained the intermolecular interaction between nanoparticles and the polymer chain. The XRD studies indicated that the amorphous region of PBMA decreased with the increase in content of metal oxide nanoparticles. The SEM revealed the uniform dispersion of nanoparticles in the polymer composite. The DSC and TGA studies showed that the glass transition temperature and thermal stability of the nanocomposites were increased with the increase in the concentration of nanoparticles. The conductivity and dielectric properties of nanocomposites were higher than pure PBMA and the maximum electrical property was observed for the sample with 7 wt% TiO 2 . As the concentration of nanoparticles increased above 7 wt%, the electrical property of nanocomposite was decreased owing to the agglomeration of nanoparticles in the polymer. Nanoparticles could impart better flame retardancy to PBMA/TiO 2 composite and the flame resistance of the materials improved with the addition of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix.

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Novel nanocomposites based on chlorinated styrene butadiene rubber (Cl‐SBR) and manganous tungstate (MnWO4) nanoparticles have been developed using a simple and efficient open two roll mixing mill at room temperature. The nanocomposite containing varying loading of nanoparticles have been assessed for their spectral behavior, thermal, dielectric, flammability properties as well as the transport of aromatic solvents through their networks. Intermolecular interaction between the chlorinated moieties of SBR and MnWO4 has been revealed by Fourier transform infrared and UV‐Vis spectral studies. The uniform dispersion of nanoparticles and the crystalline peaks of MnWO4 nanoparticles in Cl‐SBR were observed from SEM and XRD, respectively. Thermogravimetric analysis and flame resistance analysis showed that the thermal stability and flame retardancy of Cl‐SBR increased with increasing ratio of MnWO4. The dielectric constant was much improved with the entire range of frequencies and the optimum dielectric constant was obtained for 7 phr loading. Transport parameters like the sorption, diffusion, and permeation coefficients were tabulated in terms of the nature of solvent, and the loading of nanoparticles. The solvent uptake reduced by the addition of nanoparticles up to 7 phr and thereafter the solvent uptake increases. The activation energy for the diffusion, sorption, and permeation process was evaluated and these values were highest in xylene at all filler loading. The mechanism of transport of the aromatic solvents through Cl‐SBR/MnWO4 nanocomposite was found to be anomalous mode. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:E1880–E1889, 2018. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers

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