Study of a new synthetic route for the encapsulation of different nanoparticles by RAFT-mediated emulsion polymerization without surfactant

• Grant number: 19/07971-8
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants
• Start date: July 01, 2019
• End date: June 30, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Chemical Engineering - Chemical Technology
• Principal Investigator: Amilton Martins dos Santos
• Grantee: Amilton Martins dos Santos
• Host Institution: Escola de Engenharia de Lorena (EEL). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Lorena , SP, Brazil
• Associated scholarship(s): 19/14086-0 - Study of a new synthetic route for the encapsulation of different nanoparticles, by raft-mediated emulsion polymerization, without surfactant, BP.TT

Abstract

In the current scientific scenario, both the academic community and the industry have given great importance to the study and improvement of the techniques of incorporation of inorganic nanoparticles into polymer matrixes. Nanostructured materials stand out by their many technological properties and potentialities that offer diverse benefits for the most varied applications. Among the most studied nanofillers in the last ten years, we can cite the colloidal silica, natural and synthetic layered silicates (clays), zinc (ZnO) and silver (Ag2O) oxides, layered double hydroxides (LDH), ghaphene oxide (GO), cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), among others.The main objective in this project is to develop a simple and optimized synthetic route for the encapsulation of different nanoparticles in polymer matrixes by RAFT-mediated emulsion polymerization without surfactant. Different chain transfer agents (CTARAFT) will be synthesized and evaluated as molar mass control agents in polymerization reactions and as colloidal stabilizers of the hybrid dispersions obtained. Initially the adsorption profile of the chain transfer agents will be evaluated seeking to optimize the adsorption of this control agents on the surface of the nanoparticles. After optimizing the adsorption of the control agents, their efficiency in the encapsulation of ZnO nanoparticles and cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs), via emulsion polymerization, without surfactant, of the methyl methacrylate (MMA), n-butyl acrylate (BA) and acrylic acid (AA) comonomers, in a batch and semi-continuous process, will be evaluated. (AU)