Perspectives of aerosol-photopolymerization: organic-inorganic hybrid nanoparticles

The technique of aerosol-photopolymerization is employed for the generation of organic-inorganic spherical polymer-matrix nanocomposites (PMNCs). The loading amount of well-distributed ZnO nanoparticles in polymer networks is varied in a broad range up to 40 wt.%. Similar hybrid particles are produced without the addition of a conventional photoinitiator by making use of the UV absorptivity of ZnO nanoparticles only. Highlights of the process are the continuous, aerosol-based setup with a flow-through photoreactor operated at ambient temperature and atmospheric pressure. Aerosol-photopolymerization possesses great potential of incorporating various materials in situ into a polymer matrix, resulting in hybrid materials for diverse applications. Furthermore, the process can be integrated with further unit operations for the design of smart materials.