Apparent Properties Characterization for PMMA/ Solid Lubricant, PMMA/ MWCNT Composites via in Situ Polymerization

Abstract

In situ bulk polymerization of methyl methacrylate was studied in the presence of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and a lubricant (calcium stearate, polyethylene wax, and beeswax). Both the heat released over time and the isothermal temperature were calculated. The in situ bulk polymerization of methyl methacrylate was characterized using DSC and FTIR to evaluate the thermal behavior. It showed improved chemical miscibility, and it was observed that the large particle sizes of both beeswax and calcium stearate hindered the polymerization and delayed the reaction time. As for the very small nanoparticles on the microscopic scale, they lead to fast polymerization reactions. The glass transition temperature (Tg) and entropy were measured using DSC. A significant improvement in the polymerization rate, an increasing in Tg of nanocomposites and self-lubricating composites compared to pure PMMA and produces ductile and less rough structures.