Encapsulation of Clay within Polymer Particles in
a High-Solids Content Aqueous Dispersion
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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