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Published on: September 19, 2020
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Preparation of Polypropylene-Composite Particles by Dispersion Polymerization
Ryohei Morimoto1,2, Toyoko Suzuki1, Hideto Minami1
1Department of Chemical Science and Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kobe University, Rokko, Nada, Kobe 657-8501, Japan.
Langmuir : the ACS Journal of Surfaces and Colloids
|August 19, 2021
Summary
Polypropylene (PP) composite particles were stabilized by poly(benzyl methacrylate) (PBzMA) via dispersion polymerization, forming a "currant bun" structure. This method creates hydrophobic, adhesive films, unlike those using styrene alone.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Colloid Science
Background:
- Polypropylene (PP) is a widely used thermoplastic.
- Developing stable polymer composite particles is crucial for advanced material applications.
- Conventional dispersants can be challenging to remove and may affect final material properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prepare and characterize Polypropylene (PP)/poly(benzyl methacrylate) (PBzMA) composite particles using dispersion polymerization.
- To investigate the role of PP particles as colloidal stabilizers.
- To explore the influence of monomer choice and copolymerization on particle stability and morphology.
Main Methods:
- Dispersion polymerization of benzyl methacrylate (BzMA) in the presence of PP particles.
- Investigating polymerization with styrene and styrene/methyl methacrylate (MMA) copolymers.
- Morphological analysis of the resulting composite particles.
- Preparation and property evaluation of films from composite particles.
Main Results:
- Stable Polypropylene (PP)/poly(benzyl methacrylate) (PBzMA) composite particles with a "currant bun" morphology (PBzMA core, PP bumps) were formed without conventional dispersants.
- PP particles acted as effective colloidal stabilizers.
- Dispersion polymerization with styrene alone resulted in aggregates, while copolymerization with MMA yielded a stable emulsion.
- The hydrophilic carboxyl groups on PP surfaces facilitated polymer attachment and stabilization.
- Films made from PP/PBzMA composites exhibited high hydrophobicity and strong adhesion to PP sheets.
Conclusions:
- Polypropylene (PP) particles can act as effective colloidal stabilizers in dispersion polymerization for creating composite particles.
- The interaction with a second polymer, like PBzMA or a styrene/MMA copolymer, is necessary for stabilizing PP-based composite particles.
- The resulting PP/PBzMA composite particles offer promising properties for applications requiring hydrophobic and adhesive films.
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