Physical Properties of PMMA Nanocomposites with Waste of Stone Process

The current study concerns the preparation and characterization of solid surface materials based of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) nanocomposites filled with waste stones of marble, granite and basalt which are abundant in KSA. Two kinds of nanofillers were used to prepare PMMA nanocomposites which is the basic matrix of the studied waste stone particulates namely, hydrophilic nanosilica and clay Halloysite nanotubules (HNTs). The effect of nanofiller type, stone nature and stone particulate size was investigated by Rockwell hardness, flexural strength, impact toughness, abrasion loss and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and luminous transmittance measurements. The study showed that the prepared samples have excellent physical and mechanical properties. The study of surface morphology by optical and SEM microscopes showed the homogeneity of the prepared samples which recommends their application as an economically effective replacement of natural stones.