Ultrasound assisted synthesis of PMMA/clay nanocomposites: Study of oxygen permeation and flame retardant properties

Abstract

PMMA/clay nanocomposites were synthesized by ultrasound assisted emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization technique. Ultrasound waves of different power and frequencies were applied to enhance the dispersion of the clay layers with polymer matrix. The structural information of the synthesized materials was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and it was revealed that the interlayer spacing increased with clay loading. The magnitude of dispersion of the clay in the polymer matrix was detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The Young's modulus, breaking stress, elongation at break, toughness, yield stress and yield strain of the nanocomposites as a function of different clay concentrations and ultrasonic power were measured. Particle diameter of the nanocomposites was measured by laser diffraction technique. Oxygen permeability of the samples was studied and it was found that the oxygen flow rate was reduced by the combined effect of clay loading and ultrasound. The flame retardant property of the nanocomposites due to clay dispersion was investigated by measurement of limiting oxygen index (LOI).

Sonochemical Synthesis of PMMA/Cloisite 30B Nanocomposites: A Mechanistic Investigation

“…This essentially indicates that equilibrium between exfoliation and intercalation structures in the PMMA/Cloisite 30B nanoclay is driven completely towards exfoliation by ultrasound and cavitation, and the individual clay platelets are dispersed in the polymer matrix. The effect of ultrasound on exfoliation is evident by comparison of our results with those of Patra et al Patra et al used a combination of sonication and mechanical stirring during synthesis of nanocomposites. The mixture of monomer, initiator and clay was stirred for 1 h and then sonicated for just 10 min for ultrasound frequencies of 60 to 80 kHz.…”

“…Several authors have studied synthesis of PMMA/clay nanocomposites using different methodologies. A summary of the previous literature on synthesis of PMMA/clay nanocomposites using different techniques is given in Table . Literature on ultrasound‐assisted synthesis of PMMA/clay nanocomposite is limited .…”

Conductive, Gas Barrier, and Thermal Resistant Behavior of Poly (methyl methacrylate) Composite by Dispersion of ZrO2Nanoparticles

“…The substantial reduction in oxygen permeability may be due to the dispersion of ZrO2 nanoparticles within the PMMA matrix. The permeability of PMMA= ZrO 2 nanocomposites was reduced by approximately 6 times with increase in ZrO 2 content [19][20][21]. This is because PMMA=ZrO 2 nanocomposites have ordered nanostructure, which creates a tortuous path for oxygen permeation.…”

Water Absorption Behavior, Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Vinyl Ester Matrix Nanocomposites Based on Layered Silicate

“…The improvement can be mechanical (high strength, modulus, flexural and hardness) or thermal (thermal gravity analysis and differential scanning calorimetery) [19][20][21][22][23] . They also exhibit various properties such as decreased gas permeability and flammability, increased biodegradability and barrier properties [24][25][26][27] . In addition, the incorporation of layered silicate into the polymer matrix usually results in improvement of the polymer performance [28] .…”