Synthesis and characterization of nanosilica ball-PMMA hybrid composites

Organic–inorganic hybrid materials are one of the most attractive topics, which deals from fundamental researches to practical applications. In the present research, we have studied the polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) on the surface of γ‐methacryloxy propyl trimethoxy silane (γ‐MPS) modified nanosilica ball (NSB). The polymeric materials were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA). The results show that new core‐shell structured materials, NSB core‐PMMA shell composites, have been synthesized. The core‐shell hybrid materials can be adjusted to form only a single spherical phase. The addition of the core‐shell hybrid materials to the clearcoat enhances the surface hardness and antiscratch property. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013