Influence of PVAc/PMMA/Silica Nanocomposite Structure on Properties*

Rheological properties of poly(vinyl acetate), PVAc, and silica composites were previously studied as a function of silica concentration and silica surface chemistry. In the current work, we investigate the effect of poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, coated silica nanoparticles on the properties of PVAc. PVAc and PMMA are known to form a miscible blend, however, the addition of silica nanoparticles, which forms hydrogen bonds with PVAc might alter the blend morphology and therefore, the blend properties. In addition, by selectively adsorbing PMMA onto silica nanoparticles first, and then embedding them into PVAc might lead to a phase separated interface at the nanoparticle surface. The morphology and rheological properties of PVAc/PMMA/silica nanocomposites were investigated as a function of compositionand silica nanoparticle surface chemistry.