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

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on the challenges of achieving a well-dispersed ZnO in a Poly(MMA-co-AA) copolymer using isopropyl alcohol (IPA) as a solvent. The synthesis involved copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and acrylic acid at 70°C, resulting in a composite that exhibited poor transparency due to ZnO particle agglomeration, with sizes around 80 nm. Suggestions included modifying the ZnO surface or exploring alternative solvents, such as ethanol, which has been reported to yield clear dispersions at 20% loading.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of copolymer synthesis, specifically Poly(MMA-co-AA).
  • Knowledge of solvent effects on polymer dispersion, particularly with isopropyl alcohol.
  • Familiarity with nanoparticle characteristics, specifically ZnO particle size and surface modification techniques.
  • Experience with dispersion techniques in polymer science.
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  • Research methods for surface modification of ZnO nanoparticles.
  • Investigate the use of ethanol as a solvent for dispersing ZnO in polymers.
  • Explore techniques for achieving uniform dispersion of nanoparticles in polymer matrices.
  • Learn about the effects of temperature on polymer solubility and dispersion behavior.
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This discussion is beneficial for polymer chemists, materials scientists, and researchers involved in nanocomposite development, particularly those working with polymer dispersions and nanoparticle integration.

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...