New azopolyamide-nanocomposites reinforced with resorcinol modified ternary layered double hydroxide: synthesis, optical and thermal properties

Abstract

ABSTRACT New optical polyamide (PA) containing an azobenzene moiety was synthesized. Novel layered double hydroxide containing three metal hydroxides and 4-(4-nitrophenylazo)resorcinol (RLDH) was prepared by a coprecipitation method. The nanocomposites were prepared from 3 and 6% of RLDH in the PA matrix via the solution intercalation technique. Structures, morphology, and thermal and optical behavior of samples were investigated. The PA exhibited the main decomposition step at 300–540°C and a char yield of 18.5, which improved after the addition of nanoparticles. Optical properties of samples were attributed to n-π* and π-π* transition of the trans-azobenzene, which were decreased after irradiation under 365 nm UV light.