Preparation and Characterization of Polymer/Silica Nanocomposites via Double In Situ Miniemulsion Polymerization

Polymer/SiO2 nanocomposite microspheres were prepared by double in situ miniemulsion polymerization in the presence of methyl methacrylate, butyl acrylate, gamma-methacryloxy(propyl) trimethoxysilane, and tetraethoxysilane (TEOS). By taking full advantage of phase separation between the growing polymer particles and TEOS, inorganic/polymer microspheres were fabricated successfully in a one-step process with the formation of SiO2 particles and the polymerization of organic monomers taking place simultaneously. The morphology of nanocomposite microspheres and the microstructure, mechanical properties, thermal properties, and optical properties of the nanocomposite films were characterized and discussed. The results showed that hybrid microspheres had a raspberry-like structure with silica nanoparticles on the shells of polymer. The silica particles of about 20 nm were highly dispersed within the nanocomposite films without aggregations. The transmittance of nanocomposite film was comparable to that of the copolymer film at around 70-80% from 400 to 800 nm. The mechanical properties and the fire-retardant behavior of the polymer matrix were improved by the incorporation of silica nanoparticles. (C) 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 48: 3128-3134, 2010