Synthesis of Submicrometer Calcium Carbonate Particles from Inorganic Salts Using Linear Polymers as Crystallization Modifiers

Abstract

In this study, we report the synthesis of submicrometer calcium carbonate particles using the simplest approach of mixing solutions of calcium chloride and ammonium carbonate inorganic precursors in the presence of crystallization modifiers. Instead of the typical crystallization of CaCO 3 into large calcite crystals with rhombohedral morphology, very small uniform spherical vaterite particles were formed with the addition of small amounts of the anionic homopolymer poly(sodium 4-styrenesulfonate) (PSS). In contrast, large spheres made of a collection of calcite polycrystallite aggregates formed in the presence of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA). Crystal growth in a pre-organized environment created by the selective distribution of Ca II ions in the shell of polyestyrene-b-poly(acrylic acid) (PS-b-PAA) core-shell spherical micelles revealed a rather poor control of the size and morphology. Therefore, the PSS anionic homopolymer can be applied to the synthesis of submicrometer CaCO 3 particles from solutions of inorganic salts, which is a much cheaper and sustainable method than controlled CO 2 gas production and diffusion.

Multifunctional Layer-by-Layer Coating Based on a New Amphiphilic Block Copolymer via RAFT-Mediated Polymerization-Induced Self-Assembly Process

“…This weight loss corresponds to the evaporation of water absorbed by the respective materials. The desulfonation of the PSS polymer was responsible for the weight loss that occurred during the second stage at around 380 °C, and the dearomatization of the PSS ring was responsible for the weight loss in the third stage at 505–600 °C . For the BCP, the weight loss at around 250 °C is due to the breakdown of the AAEMA component.…”

“…The desulfonation of the PSS polymer was responsible for the weight loss that occurred during the second stage at around 380 °C, and the dearomatization of the PSS ring was responsible for the weight loss in the third stage at 505−600 °C. 52 For the BCP, the weight loss at around 250 °C is due to the breakdown of the AAEMA component. Finally, the BCP/ POSS thermogram shows multiple step degradation because of different components such as PSS, PAAEMA, and cationic POSS.…”