Abstract
A novel technique of surface modification was used to treat nanomodified aluminum trihydrate (nanoโCGโATH). The results of the surface modification were characterized with transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectra. The effects of the surface modification on the properties of highโimpact polystyrene (HIPS) composites were studied with limiting oxygen index (LOI) and mechanical tests. The dispersion of nanoโCGโATH in the HIPS matrix and the interfacial adhesion between them were observed with transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The experimental results demonstrate that the surface of nanoโCGโATH was successfully grafted by an organic substance, and the dispersion of treated nanoโCGโATH in ethanol was better than that of untreated nanoโCGโATH. At high loadings, the mechanical properties and LOI values of the HIPS composites with treated nanoโCGโATH were higher than those of the HIPS composites with untreated nanoโCGโATH. The dispersion of treated nanoโCGโATH in the HIPS matrix was better than that of untreated nanoโCGโATH in the HIPS matrix. Also, the interfacial adhesion between the HIPS matrix and treated nanoโCGโATH was better than that between the HIPS matrix and untreated nanoโCGโATH. ยฉ 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009