The influence of titanate nanotube on the improved thermal properties and the smoke suppression in poly(methyl methacrylate).

The well-dispersed poly(methyl methacrylate)/titanate nanotube (PMMA/TNT) composites were synthesized by in situ polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in ethanol solution. Thermal stability and the glass transition temperature of the composites are significantly enhanced with a proper amount of TNTs. The comparison between PMMA/TNTs and PMMA/TiO(2) composites suggests the formation of network in PMMA/TNTs composite. The coaction of dehydration and the network is believed to be the crucial factor which improves the thermal properties. TG-FTIR analysis shows that the amount of organic volatiles of PMMA is significantly reduced and the non-flammable CO(2) is generated after incorporating TNTs. It implies the reduced toxicity of the volatiles. The possible mechanism of the smoke suppression is proposed as the dehydration and adsorption effect of TNTs.