Rheological, thermal and electrical properties of poly(ethylene oxide) / boehmite nanocomposites

Polyethylene oxide (PEO) is a water-soluble polymer that is widely used as a model system to examine fundamental processes. This paper details an investigation into the physical, thermal and electrical properties of PEO-based nanocomposites containing a highly hydrophilic boehmite nanofiller. The boehmite was dispersed into the PEO in solution in distilled water, by using controlled shear conditions, and the properties of the resulting materials were then studied. Dispersion was analysed during the solution rheology phase and the crystallisation and melting behaviour were examined using differential scanning calorimetry. The AC ramp electrical breakdown strength and dielectric response were also analysed.