Abstract: Method of making a composite material by paste polymerization, by forming an emulsion of at least one polymerizable monomer in an aqueous material, polymerizing the emulsion to provide a latex containing particles of polymer, in which the polymer has a glass transition temperature above 65° C., adding nanoparticles to the latex, the nanoparticles having at least one dimension in the range 0.5 to 200 nm, and spray-drying the latex. The at least one polymerizable monomer contains vinyl chloride.
Abstract: This invention relates to composite materials and methods of their production. More especially the invention provides methods of making a composite material by paste polymerisation comprising the steps of a) forming an emulsion of at least one polymerisation monomer in an aqueous material b) polymerising the emulsion to provide a latex comprising particles of polymer, c) adding nanoparticles to the latex said nanoparticles having at least one dimension in the range 0.5 to 200 nm, and d) spray-drying the laytex.