Monodisperse PMMA Polymer Nanobeads and Manufacturing Method Thereof

Monodisperse PMMA Nanobeads Containing Zinc Oxide via Stabilizer-Free Dispersion Polymerization

This technology produces monodisperse PMMA nanobeads by performing dispersion polymerization of methyl methacrylate and zinc oxide nanopowder in an aqueous dispersion containing a dissolved polymerization initiator under a nitrogen atmosphere, without the use of dispersion stabilizers or dispersants. This method yields uniform zinc oxide-containing polymer beads with an average particle size of 200–900 nm.

Polymer nanobeads require uniform size and shape to perform effectively. However, conventional synthesis methods often rely on expensive equipment or toxic substances and are limited to small-batch production, making mass production difficult. Furthermore, achieving uniformity typically requires adding stabilizers like aluminum compounds, which complicates the process and increases costs.

This technology enables the production of highly monodisperse beads through a simple process without stabilizers, while incorporating crystalline zinc oxide to enhance functionality. Suitable for UV-blocking cosmetic fillers, light-diffusing paints, coatings, and optical materials for displays, it allows for the cost-effective, large-scale supply of sub-micron polymer beads.

‍

‍

Key Features:

• Preparing an aqueous dispersion in which a polymerization initiator is completely dissolved without the addition of dispersion stabilizers or dispersants
• Adding methyl methacrylate and zinc oxide powder to the dispersion and performing dispersion polymerization under a nitrogen atmosphere to obtain PMMA nanobeads with an average particle size of 200–900 nm
• A manufacturing method using 0.1 to 5 parts by weight of hexagonal crystalline zinc oxide powder (1 to 100 nm in size) per 100 parts by weight of MMA
• Washing the resulting polymer powder with distilled water or ethanol, followed by freeze-drying

‍