Gas-Generating Polymer Particles: Reducing the Decomposition Temperature of Poly(tert-Butyl Methacrylate) Side Chains Using an Encapsulated Acid Catalyst Approach

Abstract

We report an approach to gas-generating polymer particles based on the acid-catalyzed thermal decomposition of poly(tert-butyl methacrylate) [p(t-BMA)] side chains to isobutene gas. The decomposition temperature of t-BMA latex is near 191 °C and therefore impractical for many applications. The incorporation of select acid functionalized comonomers yields a decrease to ∼160 °C, as determined by thermal gravimetric analysis. This temperature can be further reduced to ∼120 °C, however, via encapsulation of a thermal acid generator. This approach exploits the favorable features of emulsion polymerization processes (rapid cycle times, particle size control, high conversion, etc.) and thus provides a framework for the fabrication of high-volume t-BMA-containing latex that can be used to light-weight and insulate composite materials through the creation of voids and pores. As such, gas-generating particles could reduce energy consumption needs in the transportation, construction, and other industries.

Critical Review on Synthetic Routes and Catalytic Applications of Hollow Nanomaterials

“…[89] Amino functionalized silica spheres employ as a template to synthesize Pt spheres. [90] These spheres contain nano-sponge like shell and hollow interior generated by mixing precursor solution of platinum with silica spheres. [91] 0.1 M ascorbic acid added for the complete synthesis of platinum nanoparticles.…”

Magnetically Recyclable Nanoscale Zero‐Valent Iron‐Mediated PhotoRDRP in Ionic Liquid toward Smart, Functional Polymers

“…Poly( tert ‐butyl methacrylate) (PTBMA) has applications in broad areas including but not limited to vapor sensing, [ 14 ] thermal lithography, [ 15 ] additives, [ 16 ] and drug delivery. [ 17 ] RDRP of TBMA was achieved via ATRP, [ 18 ] RAFT polymerization, [ 19 ] emulsion polymerization, [ 20 ] nitroxide‐mediated polymerization (NMP), [ 21 ] and photoinduced free radical polymerization. [ 22 ] It is observed that these polymerization processes usually led to polymers with undesired odor, color, and toxicity because of the presence of sulfur chain ends (for RAFT), [ 23 ] catalyst leaching (for ATRP), [ 24 ] inefficient removal of Cu(I)/Cu(II) precursors (for SET‐LRP) [ 25 ] preventing the development of more environment‐friendly polymerization processes.…”