Preparation of Polymer Encapsulated Carbon Black(CB) through Ultrasonic-Assisted Radical Polymerization and the Characterization of CB/Epoxy Resin Composites

Under the joint action of ultrasonic and initiators, in-situ radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate(MMA) on the surface of carbon black(CB) was achieved through emulsion polymerization. The poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA) encapsulated CB was obtained within 1 h at room temperature. The chemical component on the surface and the disperse state of CB and modified CB(MCB) were characterized. Results show that the encapsulation rate of PMMA is 5.7%, and the atomic mole ratio of atom O and C increases from 4.2% to 7.5%. The particle size of MCB decreases through ultrasonic crushing and the dispersibility of MCB in organic solvents is improved. After being added to the epoxy resin(EP) matrix, the dispersibility of MCB is apparently improved comparing to that of CB. No obvious agglomeration is observed even the MCB content reaches 10 phr. In addition, the tensile strength and elongation of MCB/EP composites are improved in different degrees.