PROPERTIES OF PVC-TITANIA HYBRID MATERIALS PREPARED BY THE SOL-GEL PROCESS

Hybrid materials from Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and titania were prepar ed using sol-gel technique. In-situ generation of titania network in t he PVC matrix was carried out by introducing required amounts of tetra propylorthotitanate (TPOT) followed by hydrolysis/condensation of TPOT in the matrix. Homogeneous and semi-transparent films were obtained b y casting and solvent evaporation. Mechanical properties of these film s up to 15 wt. % titania contents were studied. The results showed an increase in the Young's modulus, length at rupture and toughness of th e unplasticised PVC. However, the tensile strength and stress at break point decreased with the addition of titania contents. Thermal stabil ity of the material was studied using dehydrochlorination (DHCI) techn ique and thermogravimetric analysis. The PVC samples with small amount of titania were found to be more stable as compared with the pure PVC .