Effect of modification of silver nanoparticles on the preparation of poly(methyl methacrylate)/silver microspheres via suspension polymerization

Effects of modification of silver nanoparticles on the polymerization rate and morphology of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/silver microspheres prepared by suspension polymerization of MMA were investigated. The silver nanoparticles and their surface hydrophilicity played an important role in the polymerization rate and the morphology of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/silver microspheres. The polymerization rate increased slightly with modified silver nanoparticles. PMMA/silver microspheres with conversion up to 85% were obtained in spite of the low polymerization temperature. Due to the change of hydrophilicity of silver nanoparticles, different appearances of the microspheres having golf ball-like convex surfaces or concave surfaces were observed. As the hydrophilicity of silver was decreased, stable nanocomposites were prepared.