Elaboration of spherical particles of PMMA/ZnO through macroporous polymer networks

Abstract

In this study, it is explained how spherical particles of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/ZnO were synthesised in the presence of a polymer matrix of galactopyranose for their control growth. The objective of this research is to show the development of particles using the sol–gel method and the participation of a polysaccharide network. This method can increase the formation of stable spherical particles due to the hydrogen bonds junctions present in the walls of the polysaccharide network. The results of the formed tablets immersed in simulated body fluid indicate that there is no evidence of corrosion in the presence of PMMA/ZnO nanoparticles. The maximum roughness average (R max) and roughness value (R a) were 0.41 and 1.27 nm, respectively. The absorbance values showed significant changes when 10% polysaccharide concentration was used both in the presence and absence of the PMMA/ZnO nanoparticles. The particles were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), X-ray elemental mapping, ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry, and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The PXRD analysis shows the crystalline and amorphous phases of the composite at 400°C. The size range of the synthesised particles was between 30 and 100 µm.