Novel Core–Shell of Polymethyl Methacrylate/butyl Acrylate/vinyl Silica Nanocomposite Particles through Seed Emulsion Polymerization

Abstract

ABSTRACTA new core–shell structure of polymethyl methacrylate/butyl acrylate copolymer/vinyl silica nanocomposite was successfully prepared in aqueous solution through seed emulsion polymerization. Vinyl-functionalized silica nanoparticles were synthesized using sol–gel technique of triethoxyvinylsilane in aqueous solution. New established covalent bond between the vinyl groups located on the surface of vinyl-functionalized silica nanoparticles and vinyl group of monomers and the encapsulation into methyl methacrylate/butyl acrylate copolymer through seed emulsion polymerization process. The prepared core–shell latex polymers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared, UV–vis, thermal analyses, tensile strength, elongation at break, field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope, and zeta potential. The tensile strength improved by introducing vinyl silica into the matrix up to 5%, which proved the reinforcing role of vinyl silica in the matrix of polymer.