Preparation and characterization of core–shell polystyrene–polydimethylsiloxane particles by seeded polymerization

Abstract

Abstract Nanometer scale particles of seed latex were successfully prepared by polymerization induced by gamma rays. By modification of the coupling agent 3‐methacryloxylpropyltrimethoxylsilane (MPS) at the surface of polystyrene (PSt) particles, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) was introduced outside the PSt particles and composite latex particles with a core–shell (PSt–PDMS) structure were successfully prepared. Because of the chemical bond linkage between the core and the shell, such a structure is stable. Direct evidence of the core–shell structure was observed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In addition the chemical bond linkage was confirmed by Fourier‐transfer infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy. An indirect proof of the core–shell structure was given by water absorption ratio determination of the different samples. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry