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Updated: May 9, 2026

Encapsulation and Permeability Characteristics of Plasma Polymerized Hollow Particles
Published on: August 16, 2012
Encapsulation of clay within polymer particles in a high-solids content aqueous dispersion
Yuri Reyes1, Pablo J Peruzzo, Mercedes Fernández
1POLYMAT, Kimika Aplikatua Saila, Kimika Zientzien Fakultatea, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU, Joxe Mari Korta Zentroa, Tolosa Hiribidea 72, 20018 Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain.
Abstract:
By using a two-step polymerization process, it was possible to encapsulate clay platelets within polymer particles dispersed in water. First, seed polymer particles with chemically bonded clay were obtained by batch miniemulsion polymerization. Then, the clay was buried within the particles by the addition of neat monomer in a second step. The final stable dispersions can have a solids content of up to 50 wt %. Transmission electron microscopy images clearly show the presence of clay platelets inside the polymer colloids, although they are not totally exfoliated. The obtained nanocomposites showed an increase in both the storage modulus in the rubbery state and the water resistance as the clay content increases. The approach presented here might be useful for encapsulating other high-aspect ratio nanofillers.
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