Synthesis and film performances of SiO2/P(MMA-BA) core-shell structural latex

In this study, we have successfully synthesized silica/poly(methyl methacrylate-butyl acrylate) (SiO2/P(MMA-BA)) core-shell nanocomposite colloids via in situ emulsion copolymerization using cationic 2,2′-azobis(2-amidinopropane)dihydrochloride (AIBA) as the initiator and the 3-Glycidoxypropyl-trimethoxysilane (GPTMS)-modified SiO2 nanoparticles as the seeds. The SiO2 nanoparticles embedded can reach as high as 60 wt%. The nanocomposite film presents almost the same high transparency as the pure polymer film (>90% transmittance in visible range), and displays significantly improved mechanical and UV weathering resistant properties over its pure polymer film.