Salt template zirconia reinforcing particles as possible reinforcement for PMMA matrix composite

Abstract

To obtain flakes like zirconia particles at relatively low temperature, the synthesis method for producing zirconia particles on the surface of salt particles that serve as a template is examined. The produced particles are incorporated as reinforcement in the poly(methyl methacrylate) matrix to obtain a composite material. The particles were characterized by the X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and image analysis. The morphology of the particles and composites was examined using a field emission scanning electron microscope. Composites prepared with synthesized particles were compared to those containing commercial zirconia particles to estimate the possibility of use of synthesized particles as reinforcement. The influence of the 1 wt% of zirconia particles in composite material on the mechanical properties was studied using microhardness measurements and dynamic mechanical analysis. The results obtained show that the addition of 1 wt% of zirconia particles increases the mechanical properties of the composite relative to the pure polymer matrix.