Size effect of added LaB6 particles on optical properties of LaB6/Polymer composites

Modified LaB6 particles with sizes ranging from 50 nm to 400 nm were added into polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) matrix in order to investigate the effect of added LaB6 particles on optical properties of LaB6/PMMA composites. Method of in-situ polymerization was applied to prepare PMMA from raw material—methyl methacrylate (MMA), a process during which LaB6 particles were dispersed in MMA. Ultraviolet–visible–near infrared (UV–vis–NIR) absorption spectrum was used to study optical properties of the as-prepared materials. The difference in particle size could apparently affect the composites' absorption of visible light around wavelength of 600 nm. Added LaB6 particles with size of about 70 nm resulted in the best optical properties among these groups of composites.

70 nm LaB6 particles resulted in the best performance on absorption of VIS and NIR, which could not be apparently achieved by LaB6 particles beyond nano-scale.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► LaB6/PMMA composites were prepared using the method of in-situ polymerization.
► LaB6 particles added in MMA prolonged the time needed for its pre-polymerization.
► Nanosized LaB6 particles could obviously absorb much NIR but little VIS.