A Comparative Study of Polystyrene/Layered Silicate Nanocomposites, Synthesized by Emulsion and Bulk Polymerization Methods

摘要

Polystyrene/clay (PS/clay) nanocomposites were synthesized by insitu emulsion and bulk polymerization methods. Sodium montmorillonite (Na-MMT) and two organically modified clays (Cloisite 30B and Cloisite 15A) were employed. The effect of clay swelling method and sonication on the d-spacing of silicate layers was also investigated. The surface morphology of pure PS and PS/clay nanocomposites were comparatively investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) of PS and PS/clay nanocomposites revealed the improved thermal stability of PS/clay nanocomposites compared to pure PS. Results of optical transparency tests showed the better transparency of nanocomposite films compared to the pure PS film.