Abstract
Polystyrene/silica core–shell spheres were fabricated using polystyrene as templates by hydrolysis and condensation of tetraethyl orthosilicate through a sol–gel process, in which polystyrene was synthesized by emulsion polymerization. Then, hollow silica spheres were obtained after selective removal of the organic polystyrene core from the polystyrene/silica core–shell spheres by tetrahydrofuran etching. The effect of hollow silica spheres on water vapor permeability, mechanical property, and water uptake of polyacrylate membrane were investigated. The microstructure analysis shows that the mean size and wall thickness of hollow silica spheres are 170nm and 20nm, respectively. The silica shells consist of amorphous silica seed assembly with a broad size distribution, which roughen the surfaces of hollow silica spheres greatly. The specific surface area of hollow silica spheres is bigger than that of polystyrene/silica core–shell spheres. Hollow silica spheres can significantly improve water vapor permeability of polyacrylate membrane, but lead to the reduction in mechanical property.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
