Comparative Study in Magnetic Composites with PMMA and PS Matrices Made by Suspension Polymerization

Abstract

Magnetic polymer composites were synthesized via suspension polymerization method, incorporating nanoFe3O4powder into poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and polystyrene (PS) matrices in order to obtain polymer magnetic microspheres with perspectives in sensing applications. The monomer (MMA or Styrene) and the magnetic powder (pre-made Fe3O4, 20nm in diameter) are mixed together under vigorous stirring and follows suspension polymerization. The product was sequentially filtered through a range of sieves and spherical composites were obtained with grains of sizes ranging from 45μm to 250μm. The yield of polymerization was 60% to 85% for the two different matrices in samples and the corresponding polymer product contained 1.25wt% to 4.00wt% of Fe3O4. It is observed that increasing the content of magnetite affect the surface morphology of the microspheres and their magnetic behavior. The pure nanoFe3O4powder and the magnetic polymer microspheres were characterized using techniques such as X-Ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscopy and magnetization measurements carried out by a Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) .

Comprehensive Review of Magnetic Polymeric Nanocomposites with Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Oil Removal from Water

“…The main drawback of this technique is the fact that the remaining molecules of both the monomer and inorganic material can influence the final properties of the nanocomposite [65]. Among the in situ methods, the standouts are suspension [66,67], dispersion [68], emulsion/microemulsion, reverse emulsion [69][70][71], interfacial polymerization [72], polycondensation [73], and grafting.…”

Robust cellulose nanofibrils reinforced poly(methyl methacrylate)/polystyrene binary blend composites with pebble‐shaped structure using Pickering emulsion gel

“…Nevertheless, PMMA with high molecular weight is immiscible with PS, different phase transition behaviors and morphological changes occur for immiscible polymer blends 5 . Recently, kinks of nanometer materials, such as Fe 3 O 4 nanoparticles, 6 organoclay (Cloisite 20A), 7 carbon black, 8 MWCNT, 9,10 and so on, have been added to PMMA and PS blends to prepare functional composites or improve the mechanical properties and compatibility of PMMA and PS blends. Many methods including suspension polymerization, 6 melt blending, 7 surface modification of nanofillers, 9 and solution casting technique 8,10 were used to improve the compatibility and interaction between PMMA and PS.…”