Studying the influence of waste glass and montmorillonite powders on the thermal conductivity and hardness of poly(methyl methacrylate) polymer matrix

The present study aims to evaluate the effect of montmorillonite nanoclay (MMT) and waste glass powder (WGP) on the hardness and thermal conductivity of PMMA polymer composites. Thus, this study concentrates on the potential use of MMT and WGP as reinforcements, in different concentrations, in PMMA polymer matrix, with the expectation of improving the performance of PMMA polymer composites in various applications.There is a growing demand for PMMA with increased mechanical properties and thermal stability for applications where inorganic glass would fail. Montmorillonite (MMT) clay and Waste Glass Powder (WGP) have physical and chemical properties compatible with PMMA. Therefore, they could potentially enhance PMMAs hardness and thermal conductivity. Silicon dioxide in glass silica and MMT and octahedral aluminium hydroxide sheet in MMT can strengthen both covalent and hydrogen bonding architecture in PMMA composite for better mechanical strength and thermal conductivity. Thus, PMMA composites were designed by combining MMT powder and WGP powder in different ratios before being incorporated into the PMMA polymer matrix and tested for hardness and thermal conductivity.The present study measured Brinell Hardness (HB) and electrical conductivity values of four PMMA composites containing different proportions of MMT and WGP. MMT/WGP filler mix had optimal hardiness (HB number = 74) when glass content was 1% (3MMT1G) or better still (HB number = 63) when an equal mix ratio was used (1MMT1G). PMMA composite with 3MMT1G also had the highest thermal conductivity (0.01899W/m.K-1). However, the higher the glass content, the lower the thermal conductivity of the PMMA composite. Thus, the present study has demonstrated that 3MMT1G filler was the best for enhancing the thermal and mechanical properties of PMMA composite.The results of this study demonstrate the potential of this new composite material for a variety of applications. Further research is needed to explore the full potential of this material and to develop new and improved versions.Reusing waste glass as filler materials in composites requires minimal processing and therefore has lower environmental impacts than synthetic options.Experimental data from the present study has provided new insights into Glass/MMT mix design in PMMA composites. The PMMA composite containing 3MMT1G exhibited the best hardness and thermal conductivity characteristics. Thus, the present study has successfully optimised Glass/MMT mix design for PMMA composite for applications requiring these features.