Abstract
Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) loaded Bi2O3 nano-particles were successfully prepared at room temperature and ambient pressure. Transmission electron microscopy was used to characterize the final product. It was found that Bi2O3 nanoparticles were well dispersed and uniform in shape and the diameter of the particles was confined within 8 nm. Addition of small amounts (0.2 - 1 wt%) of nano-scales Bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) to polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) are increased the electrical conductivity as well as the modulus of elasticity. The deformation behavior after yielding of the nanocomposites, irrespective of Bi2O3 concentration is similar to the unfilled elastomer, implying that the mechanism of large deformation is mainly governed by the matrix.