Mechanical performance of nano-CaCO3 filled polystyrene composites

Nano-CaCO3 incorporated polystyrene composites are compounded by twin-screw extrusion. Tensile and compact tensile tests show that the strength and toughness of polystyrene are decreased after the addition of nano-CaCO3 particles. Fracture surface analysis suggests that the defects induced by interfacial debonding and nano-filler agglomerations would be the key factors responsible for the declined strength and toughness. Nevertheless, it has to be stated, if the applied stress is lower than the ultimate strength, the rigid nanoparticles would still stiffen the polymer molecules, and resist polymer chain mobility. Hence, the improved tensile modulus and creep resistance can be obtained with the increasing contents of nanoparticles. © 2009 The Chinese Society of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics.