Durability and Mechanical Performance of PMMA/Stone Sludge Nanocomposites for Acrylic Solid Surface Applications

Acrylic solid surface sheets were prepared by mixing different kinds of stone sludge fillers (SSF) in Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanocomposites. PMMA nanocomposite syrups were made using free radical polymerization of methylmethacrylate (MMA), then two kinds of nanofillers were added, namely, hydrophilic nanosilica and clay Halloysite nanotubules (HNTs). Acrylic solid surface sheets were manufactured by mixing the syrups with SSFs. The morphology of the produced sheets was studied using optical, and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) that revealed the uniform distribution of stone sludge in the polymeric matrix. The study of the physical properties showed promising mechanical performance and durability of PMMA/SSF nanocomposites for acrylic solid surface applications.