Synthesis of Poly (methyl methacrylate) with Borax Decahydrate Addition for Energy Applications

The modified polymer composites can be included as the substrate for the utilization at the photovoltaic-thermal collectors to generate solar electricity and heat in solar energy systems. Poly (methyl methacrylate) seems a suitable thermoplastic polymer due to high strength, high heat and abrasion resistance, and good mechanical properties. Chemical and physical properties of the poly (methyl methacrylate) can be improved by adding different filler materials. Borax decahydrate known as sodium tetraborate decahydrate is a soft, alkaline salt with excellent buffering and flow properties. In this study, the synthesis of polymer composite was performed by Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization for its use as a substrate at solar energy systems. Two different types of borax decahydrate (Na2B4O7.10H2O) (refined in both powder and crystal form from tincal ore) were used to increase the usage area of borax decahydrate in this study. Hence, borax decahydrate was added in poly (methyl methacrylate) as the filler material to improve surface properties with the enhancement of self-cleaning feature at composite surfaces, disposal of heavy contamination, removal of oil stains on polymer composite surface.