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Polymer encapsulation of colloidal asbestos fibrils
Author(s) -
Xanthos M.,
Woodhams R. T.
Publication year - 1972
Publication title -
journal of applied polymer science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.575
H-Index - 166
eISSN - 1097-4628
pISSN - 0021-8995
DOI - 10.1002/app.1972.070160210
Subject(s) - materials science , polymer , monomer , composite number , composite material , polymerization , colloid , comonomer , chemical engineering , radical polymerization , engineering
Abstract The free‐radical polymerization of several monomers in an aqueous suspension containing chemically opened chrysotile asbestos fibrils was investigated with the intention of promoting complete encapsulation of the individual colloidal fibrils. The degree of polymer deposition on the colloidal substrate is dependent upon several factors including monomer and polymer solubility, initiator type, ionic comonomers, and degree of interfacial wetting. Successful encapsulation was achieved by the addition of novel unsaturated polyelectrolytes which served a dual role as dispersing agent and comonomer. Such methods are useful for the preparation of reinforced composites with controlled interfacial properties. In one example, it is shown that asbestos fibrils surrounded by a rubbery layer can impart greater toughness to a reinforced composite, compared to a composite in which the rubbery phase is dispersed at random or isolated from the interface. The technique can be extended to other types of fillers. The various methods of chemically “opening” asbestos are summarized.