Effect of nanoparticle concentration on the crystallinity, vibrational dynamics and morphology of PS/TiO<sub>2</sub> nanocomposites: a comprehensive study
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS, vol.27, no.18, pp.9659-9667, 2025 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
- Publication Type: Article / Article
- Volume: 27 Issue: 18
- Publication Date: 2025
- Doi Number: 10.1039/d5cp00521c
- Journal Name: PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
- Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Compendex, INSPEC, MEDLINE
- Page Numbers: pp.9659-9667
- Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) Affiliated: No
Abstract
This study investigates the influence of rutile-phase TiO2 nanoparticles on the structural, morphological, and vibrational properties of polystyrene (PS)-based nanocomposites at 3%, 5%, and 10%TiO2 concentrations. Nanocomposites were fabricated via solution mixing and hot pressing. TEM revealed well-dispersed nanoparticles (30-50 nm) in 3% TiO2 samples, with agglomeration increasing at 5%TiO2. AFM showed a rougher surface for 3% TiO2 (90-160 nm) and smoother, more uniform surfaces for 10%TiO2 (50-130 nm), attributed to improved dispersion. XRD indicated enhanced crystallinity with higher TiO2 content, with crystallite sizes between 5.77 nm and 8.05 nm. Williamson-Hall and Halder-Wagner analyses highlighted strain effects at lower concentrations. Raman spectroscopy identified TiO2 peaks (447 cm-1, 618 cm-1, 905 cm-1) intensifying with TiO2 content, while PS peak shifts suggested matrix-nanoparticle interactions. These results underscore the critical role of TiO2 dispersion and loading in determining PS nanocomposite properties.