Formation of a Polymer Shell of a Given Thickness on Surfaces of Submicronic Particles

Abstract

A method using a vapor phase approach to formation of a polymer shell on the surfaces of submicron particles (SP) has been investigated. The method is based on the condensation of monomer vapors and their subsequent polymerization on surfaces of charged and dispersed SP. This method makes it possible to vary the thickness of the polymer shell from a few to hundreds of nanometers. This is achieved by choosing the ratio of the flow rates of SP and monomer in two miscible two-phase flows. It is shown that the polymer shell possesses good adhesion to the surfaces of the SP. Apparently, this will make it possible to introduce encapsulated particles, while maintaining the polymer shell, into the polymer matrix of thermoplastics at their softening temperature.