A facile approach towards fabrication of superhydrophobic PMMA using vinyl functionalized silica nanoparticles

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was the synthesis of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) films with superhydrophobic characteristics through the use of modified silica particles. The strategy adopted involved the synthesis of vinyl modified silica particles with sizes ranging between 10 and 50 nm. These particles were used during the polymerization of methyl methacrylate in different ratios. The molecular weight of the PMMA increased with the amount of silica and conversion, due to the gel effect. The thermal resistance of the composites is highest for the samples containing the largest weight ratio of modified silica particles. The contact angle measurements revealed an increase with the amount of silica particles, the highest registered value being over 120°.

Graphical Abstract

KEYWORDS:

• PMMA
• silica
• contact angle
• hydrophobic surface

Acknowledgments

Aurel Diacon acknowledges the financial support received from the Competitiveness Operational Programme 2014–2020, Action 1.1.4: Attracting high-level personnel from abroad in order to enhance the RD capacity, project: P_37_471, “Ultrasonic/Microwave Nonconventional Techniques as new tools for nonchemical and chemical processes”, financed by contract: 47/05.09.2016.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Edina Rusen

Dr. Eng. Edina Rusen is associate professor at University Politehnica of Bucharest, Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science. She holds a Master degree (2003) and a PhD degree in Chemical Engineering both from University Politehnica of Bucharest (2005). She has published over 80 ISI papers related to polymer synthesis, hybrid materials, inorganic particles synthesis and their applications. She is also the recipient of the L’Oréal Women in Science Award (2013).

Aurel Diacon

Dr. Eng. Aurel Diacon obtained the M. Sc. Degree (2009) from University Politehnica of Bucharest. He holds a PhD title from a joint thesis between the University of Angers (2011-Organic Chemistry) and University Politehnica of Bucharest (2011-Chemical Engineering). He has published over 45 ISI papers, 1 book chapter, 1 book and 1 international patent related to materials science, organic chemistry, polymer synthesis and characterization.

Alexandra Mocanu

Dr. Eng. Alexandra Mocanuobtained her Master degree (2011) and a PhD title in Chemical Engineering (2012) both from University Politehnica of Bucharest. She has published over 47 articles, 1 book chapter related to synthesis, characterization and applications of polymers.

Anca Madalina Dumitrescu

Dr. Eng. Anca Madalina Dumitrescuis a lecturer at the Faculty of Applied Chemistry and Materials Science. Shed holds a PhD title (2004) in Chemical Engineering from University Politehnica of Bucharest. Her areas of expertise include: chemical engineering, polymerization reaction, liquid-vapor equilibrium and controlled release of drugs. She has published over 20 ISI articles; 4 books and she was granted 1 patent. She loves teaching, music, traveling and animals.

Adrian Dinescu

Dr. Adrian Dinescu obtained the M.Sc. degree (1993) in Solid State Physics and the PhD degree (2010) in physics, both from University of Bucharest. Between 1993 and 1997, Adrian Dinescu was with the National Institute for Research in Electronic Components, working in the field of optoelectronic devices fabrication. Since 1997, he is with IMT-Bucharest where he is currently involved in micro and nanoscale characterization using FE-SEM and in structuring at the nanoscale using Electron Beam Lithography. His expertise also includes materials processing and device fabrication.