Synthesis and applications of nanoparticles via microemulsion polymerization

A brief description of the microemulsion polymerization process and the synthesis of colloidal particles of nanosize scale are presented here. Two important applications of the nanosize particles are discussed. One is the synthesis and characterization of core-shell polymeric materials with improved mechanical properties by polymerization of butyl acrylate over microemulsion-made, nanosize polystyrene particles. The other application is the synthesis and characterization of microstructured superabsorbent hydrogels with enhanced mechanical resistance by a two stage process. First, nanosize particles of polyacrylamide are produced by inverse microemulsion polymerization; then, the dried particles are dispersed in aqueous solution of acrylamide and the polymerization is induced thermally to produce a microstructured polymeric network, with great water absorption capacity and enhanced mechanical properties.