Influence of X-ray opaque BaSO₄ nanoparticles on the mechanical, thermal and rheological properties of polyoxymethylene nanocomposites

This work evaluates the influence of a radiopaque reinforcement, barium sulfate (BaSO₄), on the mechanical, rheological and thermal properties of polyoxymethylene (POM). Nanocomposites of POM containing spherical nanoparticles of BaSO₄ (0, 1,2, 3 phr) were obtained by melt extrusion in a twin-screw equipment followed by injection molding. The mechanical, thermal and rheological properties of these nanocomposites and the dispersion state of the particles were investigated. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy revealed the morphology of the products. The main objective of this work is the production of nanocomposites with sulfate concentration enough to acquire radiopaque properties while maintaining the mechanical properties of the matrix. In this regard, mechanical and rheological properties were found similar to those of the polymer matrix, but radiopaque contrast tests revealed the influence of the nanoparticles concentration on the optical properties of the composites. The production of these nanocomposites suggests potential applications in the biomedical sector given their unique radioopacity properties.