Synthesis and characterization of Poly (Methyl Methacrylate)/ Montmorillonite Nanocomposites by Emulsifier-Free Emulsion Polymerization

摘要

PMMA/clay nanocomposites are prepared by emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission, electron microscopy (TEM) were used to characterize the distribution of clay in the polymer matrix and observe the morphology of the resulting nanocomposites, respectively. The exfoliated nanocomposites were successfully prepared, up to 10wl percent pristine Na~+-MMT incorporation. Compared to neat PMMA, the glass transition temperature and. storage modulus of PMMA/clay nanocomposiles became higher without significant increase in refractive index. PMMA/clay nonocomposiles were found to retain over 70 percent of transparency, which is important for optical applications.