The main subject of this work is about the effect of T-ZnOw on the toughness and stiffness of polystyrene (PS). In order to avoid the rupture of T-ZnOw during the melt processing

T-ZnOw/PS composites were obtained via the combination of solution blending and injection moulding methods. Although the tensile strength of the composites decreases slightly

the impact strength and tensile modulus increase with the increase of the T-ZnOw content in the matrix. The stiffness and toughness of the composites are enhanced simultaneously. SEM results of the impact-fractured surface show more polymer avulsions

ridges and micro-cracks formed in the T-ZnOw/PS composites

companied with pullout of T-ZnOw from PS matrix and local yielding of PS matrix around T-ZnOw during the impact processing. The possible reasons for the toughness increment of T-ZnOw/PS composites are attributed to the interfacial debonding

pullout of T-ZnOw from PS matrix

anchoring effect of T-ZnOws special three dimensional structure

local yielding of PS matrix and the formation and propagation of micro-cracks.