Structural characterization, thermal properties, and density functional theory studies of PMMA‐maghemite hybrid material

Maghemite (γ‐Fe₂O₃)‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposites were prepared by grafting 3‐(trimethoxy‐silyl) propyl methacrylate on the surface of maghemite nanoparticles, this process being followed by methyl methacrylate radical polymerization. Three different hybrids with 0.1, 0.5, and 2.5 wt% of maghemite nanoparticles were studied. The results indicate that these nanocomposites consist of a homogeneous PMMA matrix in which maghemite nanoparticles with a bimodal size distribution are embedded. The existence of covalent bonding between silane monomers and atoms on the maghemite surface was evidenced. AFM images showed a clear increase in surface roughness for increasing maghemite content. The thermal stability of PMMA‐maghemite nanocomposites is higher than that of pure PMMA and increases for increasing maghemite content. The results of our theoretical studies indicate that the electron density in the maghemite nanoparticle is not homogenous, the low electron density volumes being supposed to be radical trappers during PMMA decomposition, thus acting as a thermal stabilizer. POLYM. COMPOS., 51–60, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers