Multifunctional nano‐ZnO/PMMA composites with high transparency prepared by one‐step in situ polymerization

Multifunctional nano‐ZnO/PMMA composites have wide application prospects in many fields such as antibacterial, photocatalysis, photoluminescence, and UV resistance. For mass production, one‐step in situ polymerization process was employed to prepare nano‐ZnO/PMMA composites, which is simple, environmentally friendly, and economical. The growth of nano‐ZnO was inhibited by PMMA thus nano‐ZnO with small particle sizes of 3–5 nm was dispersed homogeneously in PMMA matrix. Thermal stability and molecular weight of nano‐ZnO/PMMA composites were enhanced obviously in comparison with pure PMMA. Nano‐ZnO/PMMA composites with high visible transparency (91.8% at 600 nm) and efficient UV‐shielding capacity (97.7% at 320 nm) can be used as a substitute for inorganic glass and further extended to optical sensors or optical filters. In addition, the blue‐green luminescence emission under UV light makes nano‐ZnO/PMMA composites a promising candidate for promoting the photosynthesis of plants. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:657–663, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers