Abstract

In situ copolymerizations of styrene and methyl methacrylate (MMA) by atom transfer radical random copolymerization in the presence of mesoporous diatomite were performed to synthesize various poly (styrene- co-methyl methacrylate)/diatomite composites. Special characteristics of the mesoporous diatomite were evaluated by X-ray fluorescence, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), transmission electron microscope, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption isotherm. Conversion and molecular weight determinations were carried out using gas chromatography and size-exclusion chromatography, respectively. Due to the pendant hydroxyl groups on the surface of the diatomite platelets and polarity change of the reaction medium, addition of 3 wt% mesoporous kieselgur platelets leads to increase of conversion from 69% to 81%. In addition, polydispersity index values of the poly (styrene- co-methyl methacrylate) chains increases from 1.14 to 1.39 by addition of 3 wt% mesoporous diatomite platelets. Increasing the thermal stability of the nanocomposites is demonstrated by TGA. Differential scanning calorimetry shows an increase in glass transition temperature from 66.4°C to 72.5°C by adding 3 wt% of mesoporous diatomite platelets.

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