Effect of surface modification of SiO₂ particles on the interfacial and mechanical properties of PBS composites

Abstract In this study, WPU@SiO₂ nanoparticles were obtained by grafting waterborne polyurethane (WPU) on the surface of silicon dioxide (SiO₂). Then, WPU@SiO₂ nanoparticles were introduced into the matrix of polybutylene succinate (PBS) to prepare a series of PBS/WPU@SiO₂ composites. The dispersibility and interfacial compatibility of filler and matrix can be improved obviously by grafting a layer of WPU onto the surface of SiO₂ nanoparticles. The FTIR and TGA results showed that WPU was successfully grafted onto the surface of SiO₂. According to polarizing microscope images, it is clear that the size of the pure PBS crystals is much larger than that of the PBS/WPU@SiO₂, and a large number of crystals are evenly distributed in the PBS/WPU@SiO₂ composite. In addition, DSC and TGA results indicated that PBS/WPU@SiO₂ composite films show excellent thermal properties. Meanwhile, the initial thermal decomposition temperature of PBS/WPU@SiO₂ composite films is about 366–374°C. For the 10 wt% WPU@SiO₂ reinforced PBS‐based composite films, the tensile strength reached the ultimate value (38.49 MPa), which is 32.04% higher than that of pure PBS. Based on its excellent mechanical and thermal properties, the PBS/WPU@SiO₂ composites have a broad application prospect in the field of biodegradable materials.