Study of a new synthetic route for the encapsulation of ZnO nanoparticles via controlled radical polymerization of the RAFT emulsion type

Abstract

In the current scientific scenario, both the academic community and the industry have given great prominence 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 nanofillers used, the zinc oxide (ZnO) has been showing some highlights due to their relevant properties. The main objective of this project is to develop a simple and optimized synthetic route for the encapsulation of nanoparticles of ZnO in polymer matrixes, via controlled radical polymerization of the RAFT emulsion type. Initially, the adsorption profile of a chain transfer agent of the RAFT type, denominated in this project as CTARAFT, will be evaluated seeking to optimize the adsorption of this control agent on the surface of the inorganic material. Then ZnO nanoparticles will be encapsulated via emulsion polymerization of the comonomers methyl methacrylate (MMA), n-butyl acrylate (BA) and acrylic acid (AA), without surfactants in a semi-continuous process.