Preparation and mechanical properties of BaTiO₃ nanometer powder/COPU based IPNs nanocomposites

A series of castor oil polyurethane/poly (methyl methacrylate) interpenetrating polymer networks (IPNs) and gradient IPNs cured at room temperature were prepared in a simultaneous way. The polymerization process is analysed through the selection of materials. The examination results of the morphology and miscibility of multi-phases of materials by TEM and TMA indicate that the Tg of systems is linked up and the domain between two phases is controlled in the range of nanometer scale. Furthermore, the systems are mixed with selected BaTiO₃ nanometer powders, and the composite techniques are determined. Also, the mechanical properties of IPNs, gradient IPNs and nanocomposites are discussed in detail. The mechanical properties detection results of IPNs and its composites indicate that the system exhibits a shape changing from elastomer to brittle plastics and the mechanical properties of the composite system decrease slightly with the increase of the BaTiO₃ addition amount.