Multifunctional nano-ZnO/PMMA composites with high transparency prepared by one-step in situ polymerization

摘要

Multifunctional nano-ZnO/PMMA composites have wide application prospects in many fields such as antibacterial, photocatalysis, photoluminescence, and UV resistance. For mass production, one-step in situ polymerization process was employed to prepare nano-ZnO/PMMA composites, which is simple, environmentally friendly, and economical. The growth of nano-ZnO was inhibited by PMMA thus nano-ZnO with small particle sizes of 3-5 nm was dispersed homogeneously in PMMA matrix. Thermal stability and molecular weight of nano-ZnO/PMMA composites were enhanced obviously in comparison with pure PMMA. Nano-ZnO/PMMA composites with high visible transparency (91.8% at 600 nm) and efficient UV-shielding capacity (97.7% at 320 nm) can be used as a substitute for inorganic glass and further extended to optical sensors or optical filters. In addition, the blue-green luminescence emission under UV light makes nano-ZnO/PMMA composites a promising candidate for promoting the photosynthesis of plants. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:657-663, 2019. (c) 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers