In Situ Monomer-Nano-MH Emulsion Polymerization

Emulsion polymerization is one of the most common techniques used to prepare polymer nanocomposites and hybrid nanoparticles with a core-shell structure as it is environmentally friendly and economically feasible on an industrial scale. There are three general well-studied processes to prepare polymer-MH nanocomposites, i.e. in situ monomer-nano-MH emulsion polymerization, an in situ combined process of precipitation and emulsion polymerization and surface-initiated in situ emulsion polymerization. Each of these methods is described below. 

There have been many reports about polymer-Si02 and polymer-Ti02 nanocomposites via in situ emulsion polymerization, but only a few about 

Upon completion, the product was purified by centrifugation (at 5000 rpm for 1 h) and washed with ethanol for three cycles to remove excess y-MPS. The vinylated MH was further modified by in situ copolymerization of styrene. Then, the vinylated MH, deionized water and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) were all charged into the reaction vessel fitted with a mechanical stirrer and a thermometer and the condenser was used as a reactor. The reaction was carried out under nitrogen in a 40 kHz ultrasonic irradiation water-bath, with a stirring rate of 150 rpm. When the mixture was heated to 80 °C, a portion of potassium 

Samal et alT prepared a poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA)-sodium silicate (SS)-MH ternary nanocomposite by in situ emulsion polymerization of BMA in the presence of layered silicate and MH with sorbitol as surfactant and benzoyl peroxide as initiator. The TEM images show that the silicate layers and nano-MHs were uniformly dispersed in the PBMA matrix at the nanoscale. 

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We believe that in situ emulsion polymerization is an efficient method for modifying the surface of nano-MHs. We can adjust the thickness of the polymer shell covered on the nano-MH surface by controlling the ratio of monomer to nano-MHs we can easily adjust the solubility parameter of polymers or copolymers covered on the nano-MHs and disperse the modifled nano-MHs in any polymer matrix uniformly and hence enhance the interfacial interaction between nano-MHs and polymers. Hence we have the tools to fabricate high-performance polymer-MH nanocomposites. Finally, to overcome the formation of homopolymer during in situ monomer-nano-MH emulsion polymerization or copolymerization, surface-initiated in situ emulsion polymerization seems to be a promising method that has not yet been well explored. 

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