An XPS study of the thermal degradation and flame retardant mechanism of polystyrene-clay nanocomposite

摘要

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, XPS, has been used to examine several polystyrene-clay nanocomposites. The accumulation of oxygen, from the almuniosilicate, on the surface of the polymer was observed, along with the loss of carbon. This confirms that the barrier properties of the clay provide a mechanism by which nanocomposite formation can enhance the fire retardancy of the polymers. No difference is detected depending upon the extent of exfoliation or intercalation of the nanocomposite.