Structure and properties of polybutyl methacrylate obtained by polymerization in the presence of aerosil

Abstract A study was made of the effect of Aerosil in polymerization of butyl methacrylate on the molecular weight of the polymer formed, segmental mobility of its chains, physical and mechanical properties and structure of films. It was shown that the filler has a varying effect on the molecular weight and molecular mobility of polymer chains on the one hand, and strength and water-adsorption, on the other. This is regarded as the consequence of the two-phase nature of the filled polymer system—the presence in the looser polymer matrix of a “dispersed phase” compacted as a result of macromolecular adsorption on Aerosil particles.