Preparation and Characterization of Polystyrene/Organolaponite Nanocomposites

Abstract

PS/laponite nanocomposites were prepared by a solution blending method. Laponite used was organically modified by octadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (OCTA), octyltrimethylammonium bromide (OCTYL) and di(hydrogenated tallow) dimethylammonium chloride (2HT) at various surfactant loadings. Exfoliated nanocomposite structure was probably obtained when 2HT was used as laponite modifier, yet conventional composites were received in cases using OCTA and OCTYL, as shown by X-ray diffraction measurements. Thermal stability and mechanical properties were evaluated and correlated to the obtained composite's structure. Enhancement in water barrier properties was observed for exfoliated PS-nanocomposites compared to that of pristine polymer.

Keywords:

• Laponite
• Nanocomposites
• Polystyrene

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

This work was financed by the Greek Secretary of Research and Technology (GSRT) under the programme's EPAN framework (PENED 03). The authors would like to thank the Ring of the Laboratory Units and Centers of the U.I. for the XRD and TGA experiments.