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Syndiotactic Polystyrene/Organoclay Nanocomposites: Synthesis via In Situ Coordination‐Insertion Polymerization and Preliminary Characterization
Author(s) -
Bruzaud Stéphane,
Grohens Yves,
Ilinca Simona,
Carpentier JeanFrançois
Publication year - 2005
Publication title -
macromolecular materials and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.913
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1439-2054
pISSN - 1438-7492
DOI - 10.1002/mame.200500220
Subject(s) - materials science , organoclay , polystyrene , thermogravimetric analysis , nanocomposite , thermal stability , montmorillonite , polymerization , styrene , suspension polymerization , thermal decomposition , chemical engineering , polymer chemistry , composite material , polymer , copolymer , organic chemistry , chemistry , engineering
Abstract Summary: Syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS)/organophilic clay nanocomposites were obtained by in situ coordination‐insertion polymerization of styrene. Two cationic surfactants (alkylammonium and alkylphosphonium) were used for the intercalation of montmorillonite (MMT). For each organically modified clay, three protocols were performed using an MAO‐activated hemi‐metallocene catalyst, in order to compare the influence of experimental conditions on the composite microstructure and on its thermal stability. The microstructures of nanocomposites were investigated by wide angle X‐ray scattering and DSC. Partially exfoliated or intercalated materials were obtained in all cases and a decrease of crystallinity is observed. Thermal properties were also studied by DSC and thermogravimetric analysis. The presence of clay does not have a strong influence on the sPS thermal transitions but the thermal decomposition process of the material was slowed down in the presence of few organoclay percents, particularly in the degradation beginning. The influence of these two organically modified clays on the thermal stability of the material is discussed.Gel and suspension formed from the combination of cloisite with toluene (left) and styrene (right), respectively.