Poly(3-hydroxybutirate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate)-Polystyrene Hybrid Nanoparticles via Miniemulsion Polymerization

Hybrid polymer nanoparticles were obtained by miniemulsion polymerization of styrene with poly(3-hydroxybutirate-co-3-hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV). Lower polymerization rates were obtained with the gradual addition of PHBV. These results were represented by simulations using a mathematical model that takes into account grafting reactions between the growing polymeric chains and PHBV double bonds (reduced molar mass). Hybrid nanoparticles presented average diameters of up to 113 nm and grafting yield of 94.4%. The hybrid fractions obtained by Selective Soxhlet Extraction were characterized with Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Transmission Electron Microscopy. Blend nanoparticles were used to confirm the hybrid formation.