Preparation and properties of poly(butyl methacrylate/lauryl methacrylate) and its blend fiber

The functionalized copolymers, based on butyl methacrylate (BMA), and lauryl methacrylate (LMA) with crosslinking agent HEMA (hydroxyethyl methacrylate) or DVB (divinyl benzene), have been innovatively synthesized by suspension polymerization for oil absorption. Further, the copolymers and polypropylene (PP) blend fiber were attained via melt spinning. Swelling behaviors were evaluated by equilibrium swelling experiment, oil absorbency test, gel fraction measurement, and optical observations in toluene. The thermal properties and morphologies of the blend fibers were analyzed by thermogravimetry (TGA) and a field-emission scanning electron microscope, respectively. The results show that the copolymers and their blend fibers have an impressive absorbency. PBMA/LMA/HEMA can be up to 35.18 g/g, showing the highest absorption in trichloroethylene. Optical images of swollen polymers in toluene depicted a colloidal translucence with gel structure. Thermogravimetric measurement demonstrates that the copolymer and PP are incompatible and PBMA/LMA/DVB component possesses more thermal stability. The micrographs of the blend fibers exhibit coarse surface and porous cross-section, which leads to the fibers being much more readily wetted by oil and provides a huge space for oil storage.