Based 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.

Item Type:	Refereed Article
Keywords:	emulsion polymerization, nanocomposites, nano-particles, radical polymerization
Research Division:	Engineering
Research Group:	Materials engineering
Research Field:	Composite and hybrid materials
Objective Division:	Expanding Knowledge
Objective Group:	Expanding knowledge
Objective Field:	Expanding knowledge in the chemical sciences
UTAS Author:	Thickett, SC (Associate Professor Stuart Thickett)
ID Code:	99388
Year Published:	2013
Web of Science® Times Cited:	53
Deposited By:	Chemistry
Deposited On:	2015-03-23
Last Modified:	2017-10-24
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