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Influence of monomer type on miniemulsion polymerization systems stabilized by graphene oxide as sole surfactant
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 08:44 authored by Che Man, SH, Mohd Yusof, NY, Whittaker, MR, Stuart ThickettStuart Thickett, Zetterlund, PBBased on a recent report [J. Polym. Sci. Part A. Polym. Chem. 2013, 51, 47–58] whereby we demonstrated the synthesis of polystyrene nanoparticles by miniemulsion polymerization stabilized by graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets as sole surfactant, we hereby report the synthesis of hybrid polymer nanoparticles of several members of the (meth)acrylate family as well as the cross-linker divinylbenzene via the same approach. The nature of the resultant emulsion is strongly linked to the polarity of the monomer used; monomers with a relatively small polar component (based on Hansen solubility parameters) such as lauryl methacrylate and benzyl methacrylate, in addition to styrene, generate stable emulsions that can be effectively polymerized. Particularly polar monomers (e.g., methyl acrylate and methyl methacrylate) formed kinetically stable emulsions in the presence of GO, however rapid coagulation occurred during polymerization. Electron microscopy analysis reveals the formation of polymer nanoparticles with size distribution between 200 and 1000 nm with roughened surface morphologies, indicative of GO sheets adsorbed at the interface. The results of this work demonstrate the applicability of this synthetic route for specific monomers in the preparation of novel graphene-based polymeric materials.
History
Publication title
Journal of Polymer Science Part A: Polymer ChemistryVolume
51Issue
23Pagination
5153-5162ISSN
0887-624XDepartment/School
School of Natural SciencesPublisher
John Wiley & Sons IncPlace of publication
111 River St, Hoboken, USA, Nj, 07030Rights statement
Copyright 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Repository Status
- Restricted