Dynamic-mechanical behavior and morphology of polystyrene/perovskite composites: Effects of filler size

Composites based on a commercial grade polystyrene resin containing 5 wt% of non commercial perovskite particles were prepared by melt blending and analyzed in terms of dynamic-mechanical behavior and morphology. In particular, micro- and nanosized perovskites La0,5Sr0,5MnO 3, synthesized by using an innovative microwave-assisted hydrothermal route, were considered. Flexural dynamic-mechanical evaluations in terms of storage modulus showed better performance for nanofilled systems with respect to ones containing micro particles: evidence explained also in terms of different reinforcing mechanisms normally occurring with variation of filler size and temperature. Finally, preliminary morphological observations emphasized the achievement of a satisfactory level of filler dispersion for micro composite formulations. © 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd.