Phenyl-Containing Silicone–Acrylate Core–Shell Particles for Transparent Toughening of PMMA with Enhanced Property Retention Under UVA Aging
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Transparent toughening of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) requires simultaneous control of mechanical energy dissipation and optical scattering, together with retention of properties under ultraviolet exposure. Here, silicone–acrylate (Si–ACR) core–shell particles comprising a PHSO-derived silicone-rich core and a PMMA-rich outer region were prepared by two-stage seeded emulsion polymerization without a deliberately added grafting agent. The phenyl-containing silicone-rich phase was selected to reduce the anticipated refractive-index contrast with PMMA. Si–ACR particles with an average diameter of 275 nm provided a favorable mechanical–optical balance. At 15 wt% Si–ACR, the notched Izod impact strength increased from 1.8 to 18.1 kJ/m2, while total luminous transmittance remained 91.4% and 90.8% for 1 and 2 mm specimens, respectively, with haze below 0.8%. Fracture morphology was consistent with local debonding and/or void formation followed by enhanced plastic deformation of the PMMA matrix. After 500 h of accelerated UVA exposure, the blend retained an impact strength of 16.8 kJ/m2 and a transmittance of 89.7% for the 1 mm specimen. These findings suggest potential applications in transparent protective shields and optical covers requiring improved impact resistance, low haze, and property retention under UVA exposure.
Source: Polymers
Authors: Yuao Li, Fan Yang, Xiang Liu, Runxiong Lin, Tao Zhuang
Language: English
Subfield: Polymers and Plastics
Field: Materials Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,258
OpenAlex ID: W7222984167