Preparation and Characterization of Acrylic Polymer Nanocomposite Films Obtained from Aqueous Dispersions

Abstract

A functionalized fumed silica was dispersed in water using a nonionic surfactant, yielding a stable nanodispersion. This was blended with an aqueous acrylic polymer dispersion to produce hybrid nanocomposite films. The silica particles were shown to be well dispersed in the polymer matrix, with little agglomeration. Further evidence of good compatibility between the silica and acrylic polymer was given by the improved thermal stability of the nanocomposite compared with the pristine polymer. The nanocomposite films exhibited significantly lower dirt pick-up behavior, which seems to be associated to the nanoroughness of the composite film surface observed in AFM analysis. This decreases the contact area between film and micrometric dirt particles. Surface tension and hardness do not seem to be significantly different in the composite and noncomposite materials. This approach may provide a strategy to obtain hybrid coatings with self-cleaning properties, taking advantage of the relatively low cost, and large availability of fumed silica. (C) 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 127: 2536-2543, 2013