Precipitated calcium carbonate/poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposite using dolomite: Synthesis, characterization and properties

Simple and economical techniques are essential to synthesize valuable nanocomposites such as precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) in industrial scale and in laboratory conditions. Moreover, synthesis of nanocomposites using naturally occurring minerals is a great achievement for the value addition of natural resources as well as for the replacement of high quality expensive raw materials. We report such new method to synthesize PCC/PMMA nanocomposite using naturally occurring dolomite. The synthesized product is characterized by using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). It is found that PMMA favors the formation of calcite in the conditions favorable for the formation of aragonite. The study recommends dolomite as an alternative natural resource to synthesize PCC nanocomposites with sufficient quality to meet with industrial requirements. The PCC/PMMA nanocomposite shows specific outstanding properties of acid resistance and greater dispersibility in organic phases.

The process flowchart for the preparation of precipitated calcium carbonate/Poly(methyl methacrylate) nanoparticles starting from calcined dolomite is shown.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights
► Precipitated calcium carbonate/poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposite is prepared.
► Dolomite is used as the calcium source.
► Poly(methyl methacrylate) favors the formation of calcite over aragonite.
► The nanocomposite is acid resistant and dispersible in organic phases.