Microstructure and Optical Properties of PMMA Matrix Composites Containing LaB₆ Nanoparticles

• Main Authors: Hu, L., Zhang, L., Yuan, Y., Min, G.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Інститут металофізики ім. Г.В. Курдюмова НАН України 2013
• Series: Металлофизика и новейшие технологии
• Subjects: Металлические поверхности и плёнки
• Online Access: http://dspace.nbuv.gov.ua/handle/123456789/104115

he lanthanum hexaboride (LaB₆) nanoparticles are synthesized via a solid state reaction in vacuum. Silane coupling agent is used for modifying the surface of the nanoparticles. This process is carried out in different solutions so as to ascertain the best modification technology. Modified LaB₆ nanoparticles are added to polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) matrix by in-situ polymerization. Synthesized nanoparticles are characterized by XRD and TEM, the results show that the obtained particles have high degree of crystallinity and elliptical or cubic shape, the size ranged from 20 nm to 100 nm. In addition, FESEM and Medium infra-red spectrometers are used to prove the effect of surface modification of nanoparticles, alcohol solution can provide the best modification atmosphere for the modifying process, as LaB₆ nanoparticles modified in alcohol solution appear in uniformly elliptic shape and smallest size. Furthermore, the microstructure of PMMA/LaB₆ composites are characterized, and optical properties of the composites are tested by UV-vis-NIR spectrophotometry. Experimental results show that modified LaB₆ nanoparticles dispersed well in the PMMA matrix, the relationship between added LaB₆ nanoparticles and optical properties of PMMA matrix is demonstrated as well. PMMA matrix contained 0.02% wt. LaB₆ nanoparticles can block NIR effectively with slight influence on the high transparency of PMMA matrix.