| Abstract: | The aim of this work is to present a facile Pickering emulsion polymerization method for the synthesis of submicron polystyrene/SiO2 core/shell composite particles. The commercial hydrophobic SiO2 nanoparticles were used as stabilizing agent for creating a stable oil‐in‐water emulsion. Although the adsorption of hydrophobic SiO2 nanoparticles in the emulsion system was unfavorable in terms of thermodynamics, by ultrasound treatment, self‐assembly of hydrophobic SiO2 nanoparticles effectively stabilized oil‐in‐water Pickering emulsions during polymerization. Using 3 wt.% SiO2 nanoparticles (based on styrene monomer) and 1:10 volume ratio of styrene monomer:water, the composite particles having average size of 790 nm and relatively narrow particles distribution were produced. With decreasing the volume ratio, smaller composite particles were created. Results from scanning electron microscope revealed that SiO2 nanoparticles were located exclusively at the surface of the polystyrene latex particles. The SiO2 content, determined by thermogravimetric analysis, was 12.6 wt.% in the composite particles. The route reported here may be used for the preparation of other composite nanostructures. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E195–E199, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers |
