Synthesis of core–shell SiO2/polymer composite microspheres by miniemulsion polymerization and damping performance characteristics of formed thin film

This study focuses on the synthesis of SiO2/polymer composite microspheres with core–shell structure via miniemulsion polymerization using styrene (St) and butyl acrylate (BA) as monomers, and encapsulating SiO2 nanoparticles during the processes. The resulting composite emulsion and its formed latex thin film were characterized by FT-IR, DLS, DSC, and DMA techniques to investigate the effects of emulsifier concentration, nanoparticle content, and monomer ratio on microsphere morphology and properties. TEM results showed a clear core–shell structure for SiO2/polymer composite microspheres under optimal conditions with an emulsifier (SDS) concentration of 30 mM, a SiO2 content of 5wt%, and a St:BA monomer ratio of 1:1. The maximum loss factor and damping peak area were found to be at their highest levels under these conditions, indicating potential for the composite material as a high-performance damping material due to its excellent mechanical properties and thermal stability.