Abstract
Polymer nanocomposites of a polystyrene (PS) matrix containing 2% and 5% organo-montmorillonite (OMt) by mass were prepared using the solution blending method with sonication. Hexadecyl trimethyl ammonium bromide was used to modify the montmorillonite after its surface was saturated with Na+ ions. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy revealed the mixed nanomorphology of nanocomposites. The majority of OMt is dispersed in the polymer matrix in the form of an ordered tactoid (multilayer particles) structure consisting of few silicate layers and a small amount of exfoliation was achieved. The synthesized nanocomposites showed a higher decomposition temperature in comparison with pure PS according to the thermogravimetric analysis. Inverse gas chromatography under infinite dilution conditions was applied to evaluate the surface properties of the PS and OMt/PS nanocomposites. The IGC results were in agreement with conceptual and theoretical expectations. The dispersive component of the free energy of adsorption and specific interactions (acid–base properties) were determined using polar and non-polar adsorbates (probes) of known properties in the temperature range 40–70 °C. The IGC data showed that the introduction of a very small amount of OMt into the polymer matrix significantly changed the surface characteristics of the final material.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
