Storage modulus and glass transition behaviour of CdS/PMMA nanocomposites

Abstract

The storage modulus and glass transition temperature (T g) of CdS/PMMA nanocomposites have been evaluated as a function of concentration of CdS nanoparticles. CdS particles have been synthesised via chemical route using cadmium acetate, thiourea and dimethylformamide. The solution-based processing has been used to prepare PMMA composites with CdS nanoparticles at different filler concentration. Size and shape of CdS nanoparticles in PMMA have been determined with the help of small angle X-ray scattering and transmission electron microscope measurements. Dynamical mechanical analysis was carried out on the CdS/PMMA nanocomposites to study storage modulus and tan δ. It is observed that CdS nanoparticles enhance the storage modulus and T g for composites. The storage modulus and T g show the maximum value of 6 wt.% of CdS nanoparticles embedded PMMA composite. The results indicate that the 6 wt.% of CdS nanoparticles in PMMA matrix provides more stability to the composite over the other composites.