Synthesis of clay‐dispersed poly(styrene‐co‐methyl methacrylate) nanocomposite via miniemulsion atom transfer radical polymerization: A reverse approach

Abstract

Poly(styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites were synthesized using reverse atom transfer radical polymerization (RATRP) in miniemulsion. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a cationic surfactant applicable at higher temperatures was used for miniemulsion stabilization. Successful RATRP was carried out by using 4,4 0 -dinonyl-2,2 0 -bipyridine (dNbPy) as ligand. Monodispersed droplets and particles with sizes in the range of 200 nm were revealed by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Conversion and molecular weight study was carried out using gravimetry and size exclusion chromatography (SEC) respectively. By adding clay content, a decrease in the conversion and molecular weight and an increase in the PDI value of the nanocomposites are observed. Thermal stability of the nanocomposites in comparison with the neat copolymer is revealed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Increased T g values by adding clay content was also obtained using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of the nanoconposite with 1 wt % of nanoclay loading, display monodispersed spherical particles with sizes in the range of $ 200 nm. SEM findings are more compiled with dynamic light scattering (DLS) results. Well-dispersed exfoliated clay layers in the polymer matrix of the nanocomposite with 1 wt % nanoclay loading is confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images and X-ray diffraction (XRD) data.

Encapsulation of organomodified montmorillonite with PMMA via in situ SR&NI ATRP in miniemulsion

“…Although Brij98 is a common and popular surfactant in aqueous dispersed media, Simms et al demonstrated that Brij98 as a non-ionic surfactant can not effectively stabilize the miniemulsion system at high temperatures. Meanwhile, CTAB as a cationic surfactant is capable to effectively stabilize the miniemulsion system at high temperatures [41][42][43]. Therefore, by appropriate selection of ligand and surfactant successful SR&NI ATRP in miniemulsion can be achieved.…”

SR&NI atom transfer radical random copolymerization of styrene and butyl acrylate in the presence of MPS-functionalized silica aerogel nanoparticles

“…In addition, Costela et al [42] have applied polymer-filled nanoporous silica aerogel as hosts for highly stable solid-state dye lasers. In addition, different initiation techniques of ATRP such as reverse atom transfer radical polymerization (RATRP) and activators generated by electron transfer ATRP (AGET ATRP) for random copolymerization of styrene and methyl methacrylate in the presence of clay nanoplatelets (dispersion approach) have been previously studied [43,44].…”

Effect of MCM-41 nanoparticles on ARGET ATRP of styrene: Investigating thermal properties

“…7,48 Physical interaction between polystyrene chains and one surface of MCM-41 nanoparticles and finally degradation from outer surface inward can be considered as an important factor for increasing thermal stability of the nanocomposites. 33 Table 4 summarizes the extracted data from TGA and DTG curves.…”