The synthesis of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) by miniemulsion polymerization for bone cement application: The role of anionic surfactant and co-stabilizer virgin coconut oil concentration

¹ Materials Science and Engineering Study Program, Faculty of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Institut Teknologi Bandung, Indonesia
² National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia

^* Corresponding author: okap001@brin.go.id

Abstract

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA), a widely used polymer, finds applications in various fields, including bone cement for orthopedic surgeries. In this study, we investigate the synthesis of PMMA via miniemulsion polymerization to enhance its suitability for bone cement applications. The focus lies on understanding the impact of two critical components: anionic surfactant and co-stabilizer virgin coconut oil concentration. The miniemulsion technique offers several advantages, such as improved monomer dispersion, reduced particle size, and enhanced mechanical properties. We systematically explore the influence of different anionic surfactant concentration on the polymerization process and the resulting PMMA properties. Significantly, we evaluate the novel role of virgin coconut oil as a co-stabilizer, aiming to enhance the stability of the PMMA miniemulsion system. Our findings reveal that specific anionic surfactant concentration significantly affect the polymerization kinetics, particle size distribution, and overall PMMA properties. Furthermore, the incorporation of virgin coconut oil as a co-stabilizer demonstrates promising results in terms of miniemulsion stability and final PMMA characteristics. This research contributes valuable insights into tailoring PMMA for bone cement applications, emphasizing the importance of surfactant selection and the potential benefits of using natural co-stabilizers.