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Homopolymerization and Copolymerization of Methacrylic Acid (MAA) and
Butyl Acrylate (BuA) Via Emulsion Polymerization Technique: Synthesis
and Characterizations
Tan Yea Tzy
Dr Noor Aniza Bt Harun
Bachelor of Science (Chemcial Sciences)
School Of Fundamental Science
Hydrophilic homopolymer of poly(methcarylic acid) P(MAA), poly(butyl acrylate)
P(BuA) and copolymer poly(methacrylic acid-co-butyl acrylate) P(MAA-co-BuA)
nanoparticles were successfully synthesized via emulsion polymerization technique.
The emulsion polymerization were composed of methacrylic acid (MAA) and/or butyl
acrylate (BuA) monomers, sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) (surfactant), potassium
persulphate (KPS) (initiator) and water. The effects of different molar ratios of MAA
and BuA towards the formation, morphology, thermal stability and solubility of
homopolymer and copolymer nanoparticles were studied. The formation of polymer
nanoparticles were confirmed by the absorption peaks of Fourier transform infrared
spectroscopy (FTIR). The particles sizes and the morphology of the polymer
nanoparticles were obtained by using scanning electron microscope (SEM).
Thermogravimetric analyzer (TGA) was used to measure the changes in physical and
chemical properties of polymer nanoparticles. Solubility test for polymer nanoparticles
were performed and P(MAA-co-BuA) in ratio of 4:1 obtained as optimum ratio that
shows improved hydrophilicity of the copolymer.
462 | U M T U N D E R G R A D U A T E R E S E A R C H D A Y 2018