How can ZnO be well-dispersed in Poly(MMA-co-AA) in IPA solvent ?

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The discussion centers on the synthesis of a ZnO/Poly(MMA-co-AA) composite using isopropyl alcohol (IPA) as a solvent. After copolymerization at 70°C, the copolymer dissolved in IPA, but the addition of ZnO powder resulted in poor dispersion, leading to a non-transparent composite with ZnO particles around 80 nm. The main challenge is achieving better dispersion of ZnO within the copolymer. Suggestions include exploring alternative solvents that are compatible with the copolymerization of MMA and AA, or modifying the surface of ZnO to enhance its compatibility with the polymer matrix. One participant noted the potential for achieving clear dispersions of nano-sized ZnO in ethanol at higher loadings, while another suggested treating ZnO to facilitate better integration with the polymer.
justinlee
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First, using Isopropyl alcohol as the solvent, I synthesized the copolymer by Methyl methacrylate and Acrylic acid.

After copolymerization, at 70 C-degree, the copolymer dissolved into IPA. Afterward, I added ZnO powder into the solution with vigorous agitation. While the system got back to room-temp, I had ZnO/Poly(MMA-co-AA) composite precipitated at bottom.

The problem is ~ ZnO particles couldn't well-dispersed in copolymer <the ZnO/Poly(MMA-co-AA) composite wasn't transparent, and ZnO particle size was around 80 nm.>

It seemed that ZnO doesn't disperse in IPA, so I couldn't make ZnO well-dispersed into copolymer at blending process, while copolymer and IPA were totally transparent solution at 70C.

So, how can I make ZnO well-dispersed in copolymer by blending ? Change the solvent from IPA ?! (but the solvent chosen has to be suitable for the copolymerization of MMA & AA.)
Or, get ZnO surface modified ?!

this my headache ~ thanks anyway !
 
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Was the ZnO powder you used a nano-sized zinc oxide? You should formulate the nano ZnO in an alcoholic solvent prior to blending it with the copolymer. I have seen totally clear dispersions of ZnO in ethanol at loadings of 20%.
 
halo
l'm new in this forum...
how about u treat ur znO with something, which it can bridge ur polymer coil..
iby using suspension reaction...
 

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