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Structural and Optical Characterizations of Polymethyl Methacrylate Films with the Incorporation of Ultrafine SiO2/TiO2 Composites Utilized as Self-Cleaning Surfaces
Author(s)
Songpanit, Maneerat
Limwichean, Saksorn
Lertvanithphol, Tossaporn
Horprathum, Mati
Date Issued
August 1, 2023
Type
Article
Abstract
The structural and optical characterizations of nanocomposite films of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and SiO2/TiO2 composites prepared via the spin-coating technique were investigated using different SiO2:TiO2 ratios. The SiO2/TiO2 nanocomposites were synthesized using the sonochemical process with Si:Ti precursor ratios of 1:0.1, 1:0.5, 1:1, 1:2, 1:4, and 0:1. All characterizations of ultrafine SiO2/TiO2 particles were loaded at 1 wt.% in a PMMA matrix for the fabrication of transparent SiO2/TiO2/PMMA composite films. The phase structure and morphology of SiO2/TiO2/PMMA composite films were monitored using X-ray diffraction, optical microscopy, and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. A surface roughness analysis of SiO2/TiO2/PMMA nanocomposite films was conducted using atomic force microscopy. For optical characterization, transmission properties with different incident angles of SiO2/TiO2/PMMA composite films were analyzed with UV-vis spectrophotometry. The water contact angles of SiO2/TiO2/PMMA composite films were analyzed to identify hydrophilic properties on film surfaces. Photocatalytic reactions in SiO2TiO2 composite films under UV irradiation were evaluated using rhodamine B dye degradation. The optimal condition of SiO2/TiO2/PMMA nanocomposite films was obtained at a 1:1 SiO2:TiO2 ratio in self-cleaning applications, resulting from good particle dispersion and the presence of the TiO2 phase in the composite.
Citation
Polymers, 15(15), 2023