Poly(methyl methacrylate)-graphene emulsion prepared via RAFT polymerization and the properties of NR/PMMA-graphene composites

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)-graphene emulsion was prepared via reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization using a hydrophilic macro-RAFT agent. In addition, the graphene was prepared using waste graphite from a metal smelting industry to reduce the cost of polymer composites and be more eco-friendly. The graphene oxide (GO) was synthesized via the Hummers method and the modified Hummers method (without using sodium nitrate) and then modified to reduced (r)GO using L-ascorbic acid as the reducing agent. Transmission electron microscopy and zeta potential analyses revealed the PMMA attached to the graphene surface with a good stability. Moreover, the PMMA-graphene composites as the fillers in natural rubber latex could improve the mechanical properties and electrical conductivity of the composite films.