Preparation of the EPDM/PBMA organic dispersion based on in-situ polymerization: Application in the protection of flexible electronic devices

Abstract

Ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) is difficult to demonstrate its excellent performance in the coatings due to its high entanglement between molecular chains. Inspired by the phase inversion of emulsions, the EPDM/PBMA organic dispersion was prepared through the penetration and in-situ polymerization of BMA. In this strategy, the increased solubility parameter of PBMA after polymerization led to the transition of EPDM from the continuous phase to the dispersed phase, and the disentangled chain of EPDM shrank back to the shape of rod or ball. The shape of the dispersed phase was related to the interfacial tension. Particularly, the main chains of PBMA were arranged at the interface rather than buried in EPDM to maintain the stability of the organic dispersion. The EPDM/PBMA organic dispersion had excellent elasticity, bending, dispersion stability, insulation, adhesion to the glass, and aging resistance. This study indicated that the EPDM/PBMA organic dispersion could be applied as the promising protective coating for flexible electronic devices.