Study on in situ preparation of nano calcium carbonate/PMMA composite particles

The composite particles of nano calcium carbonate/polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) were prepared by soapless emulsion polymerization technique in the aqueous suspension of nano calcium carbonate. The effects of synthesis parameters on monomer conversion were studied, and the formation mechanism of composite particles was proposed. The results indicated that nano calcium carbonate that existed in the suspension can boost the monomer conversion. Appropriate stirring rate can enhance the probabilities for polymer to coat on the surface of nano calcium carbonate. PMMA is chemically grafted and physically wrapped on the surface of nano calcium carbonate to form nano calcium carbonate/PMMA composite particles. (c) 2006 Published by Elsevier B.V.