Abstract: Nano-ZnO was surface modified with KH-550, with which poly(butylene succinate)(PBS)/nano-ZnO composites were prepared via melt blending. The mechanical, thermal, and non-isothermal crystallization behavior of the composites were studied using SEM, TG, and DSC, respectively. The thermal degradation behavior was analyzed using Ozawa-Flynn-Wall method. It showed that the tensile and flexural strengths of PBS/ nano-ZnO composites increased with adding nano-ZnO, but impact strength decreased. Surface modification could improve the interfacial compatibility between nano-ZnO and PBS matrix and the dispersion of nano-ZnO in PBS matrix. Thus the mechanic properties of composites were enhanced. The crystallization rate of PBS was increased when nano-ZnO was added, and the thermal degradation activation energy was decreased.

Key words: composite, nano-zinc oxide, poly(butylene succinate), mechanical property