Minor Project

Minor Project

My research question is whether synthesizing core-shell structured polybutadiene (PB)-SiO₂ nanoparticles via differential microemulsion polymerization can improve the compatibility of silica in PB matrix. The combination of silica with polymers can be applicable to a wide variety application because they provide improved mechanical, electrical and thermal properties over pure polymers.

Researchers who have looked at this subject are Guan et al. (2011) and Zhong et al. (2014). They exhibited that properties of polymer were improved by filling silica in the polymer matrix.

Guan et al. (2011) reported that the hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) composites filled with fumed silica were prepared to improve their ablation performance and thermal stability. However, the applications of this composite were largely limited at high silica loading, due to the agglomeration of silica particles.

Zhong et al. (2014) reported that silica-supported 2-mercaptobenzimidazole (SiO₂-s-MB) had high antioxidative efficiency and low color contamination, migration and volatility could be used as an environmentally friendly rubber antioxidant to improve thermal oxidative stability of styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) composite.

Debate centers on the basic issue of inferior compatibility and less stability between the polymer matrix and silica at high silica loading due to the large quantity of hydroxyl groups on the silica surface and the high surface energy and polarity.

There is still work to be done on encapsulation of silica with polymer to improve the compatibility and dispersion of silica in polymer matrix. Thus, silica dispersion and performance of the polymer composite will be improved.

My research is closest to that of Zhong et al. because I will use their technique to modify silica surface with silane coupling agent that will provide vinyl group on the silica surface. The vinyl group can react with butadiene monomer molecule to generate PB on the silica surface.

Hopefully, my contribution to the debate will be to obtain the new composite particle of silica core and PB shell that will enhance compatibility and dispersion of silica in PB matrix, reduce filler-filler interaction and achieve homogeneity of silica in PB.

Reference List

Guan, Y., Zhang, L., Zhang, L., & Lu, Y. (2011). Study on ablative properties and mechanisms of hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) composites containing different fillers. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 96, 808-817.

Zhong, B., Shi, Q., Jia, Z., Luo, Y., Chen, Y., & Jia, D. (2014). Preparation of silica-supported 2-mercaptobenzimidazole and its antioxidative behavior in styrene-butadiene rubber. Polymer Degradation and Stability, 110, 260-267.