Synthesis of silanol-functionalized latex nanoparticles through miniemulsion copolymerization of styrene and gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane.

The polystyrene latex nanoparticles bearing silanol groups on their surfaces were successfully synthesized via miniemulsion polymerization using gamma-methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (MPS) as the functional comonomer and oil-soluble AIBN as the initiator at neutral conditions. FTIR and 29Si NMR spectra showed that the condensation of silanol groups was suppressed effectively. zeta potential and XPS analyses demonstrated that the silanol groups were enriched at the surfaces of the latex particles and could be tailored by MPS concentration.

Synthesis of SiO2/polystyrene nanocomposite particles via miniemulsion polymerization.

The SiO(2)/polystyrene nanocomposite particles were synthesized through miniemulsion polymerization by using sodium lauryl sulfate surfactant (SLS), hexadecane costabilizer in the presence of silica particles coated with methacryloxy(propyl)trimethoxysilane. Core-shell or other interesting morphology composite particles were obtained depending on the size of the silica particles and the surfactant concentration employed. By adjusting these parameters, it was possible to control the size and morphology of the composite particles.