Two polymer–montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites have been synthesized by
in situ intercalative polymerization. The styrene monomer is intercalated into the
interlayer space of organically modified MMT, a layered clay mineral. Upon the
intercalation, the complex is subsequently polymerized in the confinement
environment of the interlayer space with a free radical initiator, 2,2-azobis
isobutyronitrile. The aniline monomer is also intercalated and then polymerized
within the interlayer space of sodium-and copper-MMT initiated by ammonium
peroxodisulphate and interlayer copper cations respectively. X-ray diffraction
indicates that the MMT layers are completely dispersed in the polystyrene matrix
and an exfoliated structure has been obtained. The resulting polyaniline–MMT
nanocomposites show a highly ordered structure of a single polyaniline layer
stacked with the MMT layers. Fourier transform infrared spectra further confirm
the intercalation and formation of both polymer–MMT nanocomposites.
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