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

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. (C) 2004 Society of Chemical Industry.