Modification of larger size CaCO₃particle with polystyrene viain situemulsion polymerisation

Abstract

An industrial calcium carbonate (CaCO 3 ) filler of large particle size was modified with polystyrene (PS) by in situ emulsion polymerisation of styrene. The structure, morphology and thermal stability of the PS/CaCO 3 composite were characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectrograph, scanning electron microscope and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. The effects of St/ CaCO 3 ratio and particle size of CaCO 3 on the encapsulation ratio of the CaCO 3 and the viscosity of the composite in organic solvent were investigated to obtain maximal modification. The results showed that PS had covered the CaCO 3 particles, which changed the surface of CaCO 3 particles from hydrophilic to hydrophobic. The maximal decomposition temperature of the extracted PS/ CaCO 3 composite was increased by 17uC in comparison to pure PS. The viscosity of CaCO 3 particles in organic solvent decreased greatly, indicating that the effect of modification was very significant. The large size of the CaCO 3 particle exhibited high encapsulation ratio.

In Situ Emulsion Polymerization to Multifunctional Polymer Nanocomposites: A Review

“…To enhance the dispersion of CaCO3 nanofillers in polymer matrix, CaCO3 fillers were modified with polystyrene (PSt) by in situ emulsion polymerization of styrene. [107] The PSt/CaCO3 composites can be well dispersed in hydrophobic solvent and exhibited a good acid resistance, which may be used in plastic, rubber, and coating. Martuscelli et al [108] prepared a kind of PMMA/CaCO 3 nanocomposites by in situ emulsion polymerization in the presence of stearic acid-modified CaCO 3 .…”