LAUSR

In this work, the properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/alumina composites prepared by melt blending were evaluated. Two types of alumina were used: one, that was synthesized (ALS) by the combustion reaction method, and the other that is commercially available (ALC). Extrusion proved to be a good processing technique for obtaining PMMA/alumina composites. PMMA/alumina composites containing ALC presented higher alumina average particles size. The addition of alumina to PMMA substantially decreased the wear index and increased the scratch resistance. The mechanical properties of the composites containing ALS were similar to those containing ALC. The storage modulus (E′) increased with the addition of alumina to PMMA. The zero shear viscosity (η0) values of the composites containing ALC were higher than those of the composites containing ALS.