Synthesis and characterization of emulsion polymerized mixed matrix aluminum silicate/poly(2,6‐dimethyl 1,4‐phenylene oxide) films

A series of poly (2,6‐dimethyl‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) (PPO)‐based organic/inorganic films for the potential application in membrane gas separation were prepared by employing a method in which aluminum hydroxonitrate contained in a stable water‐in‐oil (W/O) emulsion, the oil phase being a solution of PPO in trichloroethylene, was mixed with a homogeneous solution of PPO in trichloroethylene containing tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS). Inorganic polymerization occurred in or at the surface of the aqueous droplets of the W/O emulsion. Subsequently, thin films were prepared by a spin coating technique, and they were referred to as emulsion polymerized mixed matrix (EPMM) films. Scanning electron micrographs taken from a film cross section indicated the presence of particles in the PPO matrix, and energy dispersive X‐ray measurements showed that the embedded particles contained Al and Si elements. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis showed a decrease in the glass transition of the EPMM films with increase of TEOS loading. The compatibility between aluminum silicate nanoparticles and PPO in the EPMM films was confirmed by air separation tests. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008