Journal of Applied Polymer Science, Vol.109, No.1, 350-354, 2008
Evaluation of nanoparticle dispersion in polypropylene by small-angle X-ray scattering
A small-angle X-ray scattering method has been developed for the quantitative evaluation of the effectiveness of nanoparticle dispersion in polymer matrices; it is termed the nanoscale dispersion index. This method was applied to dispersions of nanosized TiO2 fillers in polypropylene. Master batches prepared with lower filler contents showed better dispersion as evaluated by the nanoscale dispersion index. The addition of 1,3:2,4-di(3,4-dimethylbenzylidene) sorbitol to the compounds did not affect the degree of nanoscale dispersion as estimated by the nanoscale dispersion index. (C) 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.