| Abstract: | Poly (butyl methacrylate-co-methacrylic acid) copolymers/calcium carbonate (CaCO3) composites were synthesized by radical polymerization. Ca2+ cationic sites, present at the CaCO3 surface, in interaction with carboxylate groups from polymer chains structured the material, particularly above the glass transition temperature. The composites were studied by transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and dynamic mechanical analysis. Multiplets and clusters were detected. The material's behavior is principally controlled by the methacrylic acid (MA) content in the copolymer chain and CaCO3/MA ratio. Under well-defined conditions, ionic cross-linked materials were obtained. |
