Find in Library

New poly (δ-valerolactone)/titanium dioxide (PDVL/TiO₂) nanocomposites with different TiO₂ nanoparticle loadings were prepared by the solvent-casting method and characterized by Fourier transform infra-red, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetry analyses. The results obtained reveal good dispersion of TiO₂ nanoparticles in the polymer matrix and non-formation of new crystalline structures indicating the stability of the crystallinity of TiO₂ in the composite. A significant increase in the degree of crystallinity was observed with increasing TiO₂ content. The non-isothermal crystallization kinetics of the PDVL/TiO₂ system indicate that the crystallization process involves the simultaneous occurrence of two- and three-dimensional spherulitic growths. The thermal degradation analysis of this nanocomposite reveals a significant improvement in the thermal stability with increasing TiO₂ loading.