Development of organic glass using Interpenetrating Polymer Networks with enhanced resistance towards scratches and solvents

Acrylate polymers are one of common organic glass family. However their sensitivity to abrasion is an important drawback. Various alternatives were considered but they are often expensive. In this work, we show that the polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) glass resistance can be improved by performing materials based on Interpenetrating Polymer Network (IPN) at low cost. A series of transparent IPNs based on an aliphatic polycarbonate and PMMA was synthesized through in situ polymerization process. The formation of two networks in the IPNs was studied by FTIR spectroscopy. Effects of PMMA cross-linking and partner proportions in the IPNs were investigated by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Optical properties, solvent and scratch resistances have been also studied. (C) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.