The main subject of this work is about the preparation of T-ZnOw/PS composites through different methods and the evaluation of mechanical properties of the composites. Different surface modification methods of T-ZnOw whiskers

the so called wet-type modification and dry-type modification

and different molding processing methods of T-ZnOw/PS composites

namely compression molding and injection molding

have been employed. Two different coupling agents

titanate coupling agent (NDZ105) and silane coupling agent (KH560)

have been used to treat T-ZnOw. Both the interface structure between T-ZnOw whiskers and PS and the distribution of integrated T-ZnOw whiskers in composites have been studied by SEM. The mechanical properties of T-ZnOw/PS composites obtained through the above different methods have been studied comparatively. Although the tensile strength of the composites decreases slightly

the impact strength and tensile modulus increase with increasing the content of T-ZnOw in the composites. Both coupling agents and molding methods have great influence on the mechanical properties of the composites. The study of the impact-fractured surface shows that craze formation in PS matrix during the impact process is the main reason for the improvement of the composite toughness.