Nanoparticles of carbides, nitrides and carbonitrides can be used to reinforce polymer matrix nanocomposites with desirable strength, hardness, corrosion and wear resistance. To achieve these of desirable properties polymer matrix and nanoparticles need to be optimised.
In the present paper the nanocomposites with polymer matrix were analysed. TiC nanoparticles as reinforcement were produced by sol-gel method. The nanocomposites were obtained in situ, in the reaction mixture and synthesizing copolymers (PEE).
For characterization of TiC nanoparticles, the atomic force microscope (AFM) was used. Microstructure of the composites was observed using a scanning electron microscope. Tensile properties were measured by tensile tests. Moreover, the abrasive wear of nanocomposites was measured. For comparison also samples of polymer were analysed and composites with submicron size of TiC particles.
Results showed that nano-TiC particles in the polymer matrix improve strength, and wear resistance. The results are discussed in terms of size of TiC particles on the properties of bulk composites.