Synthesis via miniemulsion polymerization of an acrylate copolymer/Algerian MMT nanocomposite

Abstract

The synthesis of a new nanocomposite based on poly (methylmethacrylate-co-acrylic acid) (P(MMA-co-AA)) and an Algerian montmorillonite (AMMT), via miniemulsion polymerization involving a radicular reaction, was carried out. The modification of AMMT properties induced by the ion-exchange process was followed by FTIR and XRD analysis. The monomer miniemulsion droplets stability was investigated in presence of different surfactants by dynamic light scattering. The optimal experimental conditions for the polymerization were determined with regards to various parameters: surfactant nature and quantity, clay and co-stabilizer amounts and initiator nature. The hybrid copolymer/clay P(MMA-co-AA)/AMMT, characterized by H-NMR, FTIR and XRD, revealed a full exfoliation of the AMMT structure. Its thermal stability, investigated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), is improved in comparison with that of PMMA due to the organoclay fine-dispersion generated by the sonication process.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Nanocomposite
• miniemulsion polymerization
• Algerian montmorillonite
• poly (methylmethacrylate co-acrylic acid)
• exfoliated structure