Title:
Enhancement of glass transition temperature by salt addition of an amorphous polymer.

Speaker:
Viknasvarri Ayerdurai (JAIST)
Yamaguchi Lab

Abstract:
Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is a thermoplastic polymer that is a clear, strong and lightweight plastic generally used as a substitute for inorganic glass. However, it has a low glass transition temperature (Tg); i.e., 100°C, which limits its application in various fields. Tg of a polymer is very important as it determines the service temperature as well as potential applications. In this study, Tg of PMMA was improved by the addition of lithium salt. Electrostatic interaction between the lithium cation and carbonyl group in PMMA, which restricts the mobility of polymer chains, is responsible for the Tg enhancement.