Synthesis and electrorheological response of nano-sized laponite stabilized poly(methyl methacrylate) spheres

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanospheres were fabricated via surfactant-free Pickering emulsion polymerization, in which hydrophilic laponite clay was used to stabilize the emulsions of methyl methacrylate dispersed in distilled water. These synthesized PMMA nanoparticles, of which the surface is compactly wrapped by laponite clay, are observed, as confirmed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscope images. Fourier-transform infrared spectra and thermogravimetry analysis confirm the chemical composition, thermal property, and mass percent of the laponite located on the surface of PMMA particles. Finally, laponite-wrapped nano-sized PMMA spheres were adopted as an electrorheological material. By using an optical microscope, the chain-like structure was observed when an external electric field was applied. In addition, the ER performance was also examined via a rotational rheometer equipped with a high voltage generator.