Intercalation Of Polymer Chains Research Articles

The Effect of pH on the Viscoelastic Response of Alginate-Montmorillonite Nanocomposite Hydrogels.

Ionically cross-linked alginate hydrogels are used in a wide range of applications, such as drug delivery, tissue engineering, and food packaging. A shortcoming of these gels is that they lose their strength and degrade at low pH values. To develop gels able to preserve their integrity in a wide range of pH values, Ca-alginate-montmorillonite nanocomposite gels are prepared, and their chemical structure, morphology, and mechanical response are analyzed. As the uniformity of nanocomposite gels is strongly affected by concentrations of MMT and CaCl2, it is revealed that homogeneous gels can be prepared with 4 wt.% MMT and 0.5 M CaCl2 at the highest. The viscoelastic behavior of nanocomposite gels in aqueous solutions with pH = 7 and pH = 2 is investigated by means of small-amplitude compressive oscillatory tests. It is shown that Ca-alginate-MMT nanocomposite gels preserve their integrity while being swollen at pH = 2. The experimental data are fitted by a model with only two material parameters, which shows that the elastic moduli increase linearly with a concentration of MMT at all pH values under investigation due to formation of physical bonds between alginate chains and MMT platelets. The presence of these bonds is confirmed by ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The morphology of nanocomposite gels is studied by means of wide-angle X-ray diffraction, which reveals that intercalation of polymer chains between clay platelets increases the interlayer gallery spacing.

Structure, photoactivity, and antimicrobial properties of phloxine B / poly(caprolactone) nanocomposite thin films

Many applications of polymeric materials require chemical surface treatments. One possibility is the formation of a thin nanocomposite layer without changes in the polymer matrix. In this work, poly(caprolactone) was prepared with a thin nanocomposite layer composed of organoclay and photoactive dye, phloxine B (PhB). The principle of modification was the fusion of a thin layer of organoclay with a polymer matrix by the intercalation of polymer chains into the organoclay layer. The surface properties and composition of the thin layer of the nanocomposite were described using electron microscopy, measurements of water contact angles, X-ray diffraction, as well as X-ray photoelectron, UV–vis, and infrared spectroscopies. These methods revealed the effectiveness of polymer intercalation, confirmed the hydrophobic properties of the layer, the thickness of the composite at the level of several μm, the surface composition, and homogeneous distribution of PhB. The main outcomes were photoactive and antimicrobial properties of the films. The effects of various factors such as surfactant and dye concentrations and presence of polymer on photophysical properties were evaluated. PhB retained luminescence in all prepared materials to be highest at the lowest dye concentration and gradually decreased with increasing dye concentration. This trend was also confirmed by measurements of time-resolved fluorescence and quantum yields. In terms of antimicrobial activity, only the composite with the highest concentration of PhB exhibited a significant reduction in S. aureus biofilm growth. A more significant reduction was achieved using green light irradiation (about 3% of the growth in the control). The influence of other factors and potential applications will be the subjects of further studies.

Supramolecular coassembly of amino clay and anionic polyacrylamide with enhanced crystallinity and luminescence

In this work, we illustrate the role of amine-grafted inorganic clay minerals as the efficient supramolecular crosslinker for anionic polyacrylamide. Amine-grafted clay was synthesized, which possesses cationic two-dimensional surface to allow intercalation of polymer chains. Hydrogen bonding and electrostatic attraction enable the sufficient complexation between the components to give lamellar packing. The coassembled morphology shows dependence to the concentration and fraction of components. The crystalline architectures emerged at specific situation, which was confirmed by the X-ray diffraction results. Coassembly not only enhanced the ordered molecular arrangements, but also appended enhanced luminescent properties. This work investigates the role of amino clay as supramolecular crosslinker to control the ordered aggregation behavior of polymers, which offers a strategy to fabricate polymer-mineral composite materials.

Systematic Literature Review of the Effect of Layered Double Hydroxides on the Mechanical Properties of Rubber.

Layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have attracted interest as reinforcing fillers in elastomers due to their ease of synthesis and customisability. A systematic review was performed on the effect of LDHs on the mechanical properties of elastomers using the Scopus database. Of the 61 articles relevant to the search criteria, the majority were published on polyurethane (PU) and nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). Mg-Al LDH was used in most of the studies and Zn-Al LDH was used second most common. LDH can act as a reinforcing filler, typically increasing tensile strength even at low concentrations, so it could be used as an alternative to traditional reinforcing fillers for elastomers. LDH can also be made a functional filler by selecting the right metals and interlayer anions. It was found that Mg-Al LDH and Zn-Al LDH can both participate in crosslinking reactions and can replace MgO and ZnO, respectively. Less Zn ions are required for crosslinking when LDH is used than when ZnO is used, making LDH more environmentally friendly. Organic modification is usually required to improve compatibility with the elastomer matrix, especially in non-polar elastomers. It enables exfoliation of the LDH and intercalation of polymer chains into the LDH interlayer to occur. Organic modifiers can also be used to functionalise the LDH. Stearic acid used in crosslinking systems can be replaced by stearate anions from stearate-modified LDH.

Synthesis of novel poly (vinyl alcohol)/tamarind gum/bentonite-based composite films for drug delivery applications

In this study, a series of novel composite films comprised of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), tamarind gum (TG), and bentonite clay particles were prepared using the solvent casting method. The prepared composite films appeared colorless and transparent. Ultraviolet-visible (UV–vis) spectroscopy revealed that the prepared films showed higher absorption in the UV region as compared to the visible region. Bright-field microscopy analysis showed that the matrix of the films contained globular architectures. The analysis of the surface topological features of the prepared films suggested the agglomeration of clay particles in the PVA/TG matrix when the bentonite content was higher. Bentonite-containing films had higher %swelling as compared to the control (PVA/TG) film. FTIR spectroscopy indicated that the incorporation of the bentonite clay enhanced the hydrogen bonding among the components of the films. X-ray diffraction analysis of the films suggested the intercalation of polymer chains within the bentonite clay layers when the bentonite content was lower. However, the filler particles assumed agglomerated forms as the loading concentration of bentonite was increased, which was in agreement with SEM analysis. On the other hand, mechanical studies suggested that above a critical amount (i.e., 20 mg), bentonite weakened the network structure of the films. The resistive component of the films showed a gradual increment with a corresponding rise in the bentonite content. The in vitro release study confirmed that the films loaded with ciprofloxacin HCl supported the sustained diffusion of the drug molecules and hence, can be utilized for controlled drug delivery applications. Moreover, the drug-loaded films showed an effective antimicrobial effect against Gram-positive and Gram-negative microbes as compared to the control films. In gist, the above analyses suggested that the prepared PVA/TG/bentonite films have promising potential to be utilized as drug delivery systems.

Sub-second electrochromic switching and ultra-high coloration efficiency in halloysite nanoclay incorporated metallo-supramolecular polymer nano-hybrid based electrochromic device

Herein, we have synthesized a series of polymer nano-hybrids (polyFe-hHNT-2, polyFe-hHNT-5, and polyFe-hHNT-10) of an electrochromic metallo-supramolecular polymer (polyFe) with a modified tubular hydroxylated halloysite nanoclay (hHNT) by effective electrostatic interaction through ion exchange. The spectroscopic studies exhibit the operative interaction and composite formation between hHNT and polyFe while the structural characterizations through X-ray diffraction reveal the intercalation of polymer chains into rolled hHNT layers. The morphological investigations manifest the significant decrement of the diameter of hHNT tubes after nanocomposite formation by intercalation induced exfoliation of rolled hHNT nanotubes through interaction with polyFe polymer chains in inner and outer surfaces. The incorporated hHNTs enhance the thermal stability and ionic conductivity in the nanocomposite. The composite based electrochromic devices (ECDs) exhibit a fairly stable EC color change from purple to transparent under a controlled potential switching from -2 V to +3 V. The electrochromic switching times are considerably improved by 82% for bleaching (2.95 s → 0.53 s) and 47.2% for coloring (0.72 s → 0.38 s) in polyFe-hHNT-5 composite compare to pristine polyFe based ECD. The chronoamperometric study confirms the charge required to change the color is also significantly decreased in the composites due to swift counter ion diffusion, better ionic conductivity and effective charge neutralization by the anionic sites of hHNTs in composites. Hence, the coloration efficiency is also enhanced in composite ECDs to provide ~117.8% raise of coloration efficiency (263.05 → 572.77 cm2 C-1) compared to pristine polyFe. Therefore, the present work can provide a viable strategy to improve the electrochromic parameters of an electrochromic polymer.

Poly(acrylic acid-co-styrene)/clay nanocomposites: efficient adsorbent for methylene blue dye pollutant

In this contribution, polymer/clay (nano)composites, based on poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and poly(acrylic acid-co-styrene) poly(AA-co-St), were synthesized by free radical polymerization, using 2,2′-azobis(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN), as initiator and organomodified clay (OMMT), as nanofillers. The structural and morphological characteristics of the obtained (nano)composites, PAA/OMMT (1, 3, 5 wt%), poly(AA75-co-St25)/OMMT (3 wt%) and poly(AA25-co-St75)/OMMT (3 wt%), were examined by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, indicating the successful intercalation of polymer chains into the clay nanoplatelets. Thermal properties of obtained (nano)composites were evaluated according to thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Based on morphological and thermal results, poly(AA25-co-St75)/OMMT (3 wt%) (nano)composite was selected as an efficient adsorbent matrix for methylene blue dye, with about 74% of elimination obtained after only 80 min of swelling, under soft conditions.

Novel Organo Soluble Polyimides and Polyimide Nanocomposites Based on 1,4-bis((4-aminophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl)benzene, baob, via baobmodified Organoclay

New, thermally stable polyimides (pi) containing a 1,3,4-oxadiazole ring in the polymer backbone based on 1,4-bis((4-aminophenyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazolyl)benzene, baob, were synthesized. The prepared polymers were soluble in polar and aprotic solvents. The obtained results reveal that within the prepared polymers, polyimide (7) which has been obtained from baob and 4,4’-oxydiphthalic dianhydride, odpa, has the most improved thermal properties. In the next part, thermally stable organophilic clay was obtained via cation exchange reaction between sodium montmorillonite (Na-mmt) and the hydrochloride salt of baob. Then, a series of pi/clay nanocomposite materials (pcns) were synthesized from the in situ polymerization reaction of baob and odpa via thermal imidization. baob-mmt was used as the filler at different concentrations. Intercalation of polymer chains within the organoclay galleries was confirmed by wxrd. The glass transition temperature is increased with respect to pristine pi for pcns 1-3 wt%. At high clay loadings, the aggregation of organoclay particles results in a decrease in Tg. In the sem images of the pure polymer too many micro-cracks were observed in the background,while surface homogeneity of pcn 1 wt% is increased and microcracks are reduced.

Raman spectroscopic study of ion dissociation effect in clay intercalated polymer blend nano composite electrolyte

In this work, a detailed Raman spectroscopy study of the polymer clay nanocomposite (PNC) prepared by using a polymer blend salt complex has been reported. Raman spectroscopy study reveals a change in peak profile of CH2 and COC bond upon intercalation of polymer chain inside the clay gallery. Further upon PNC formation the local environment of the polymer chain also changes. As a result, a change in the ion dissociation effect has been observed and it has been analyzed by using Raman peak profile of the anion peaks. The free anion area has been calculated and clearly, shows significant changes with clay concentration. This free anion area is directly correlated with conductivity result of the system under study, indicating the change in ion dynamics upon PNC formation.

Characterization of Pullulan/Chitosan Oligosaccharide/Montmorillonite Nanofibers Prepared by Electrospinning Technique.

Pullulan/Chitosan oligosaccharide (COS)/Montmorillonite (MMT) hybrid nanofibers were electrospun from their aqueous solution using different Pullulan/COS mass ratios and variable amounts of MMT. The effects of Pullulan/COS mass ratios and MMT contents on the morphologies and properties of PulluIan/COS/MMT hybrid nanofibers were investigated. The obtained nanofibers were characterized with field emission-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile strength measurement. The Pullulan/COS mass ratio and MMT contents significantly influence the morphologies and properties of the Pullulan/COS/MMT hybrid nanofibers. Higher Pullulan contents than COS contents forms uniform and bead free nanofibers. The addition of COS to Pullulan improves the thermal stability of Pullulan/COS blend nanofibers. The incorporation of MMT to the Pullulan/COS/MMT hybrid nanofibers increase their fiber diameter, improves their thermal stability and tensile strength. These morphological changes and property enhancement depend on the amount of MMT added. The XRD and TEM results suggest the coexistence of Pullulan, COS and MMT within polymer matrix through intercalation of polymer chain between silicate layers forming well-ordered multiplayer morphology with alternating polymeric and silicate layers.

PF/CLAY hybrid materials: a simple method to modulate the optical properties

The aim of this work was modulate the emission properties and improve thermal stability of a conjugated polymer incorporated into an inorganic matrix. Hybrid material was prepared based on poly(9,9-dioctylfluorene-co-phenylene (PF) and montmorillonite (Na+Mt) clay using wet impregnation of 10, 30 and 50 wt.% of PF into Na+Mt and Na+Mt intercalated with ammonium quaternary salts (hexadecyltrimethylammonium — HDTMA) in a different proportions (OMt-1 and OMt-2). The materials were characterized by infrared and UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence, X-ray diffratometry and thermogravimetry analysis. The results show that the presence of the clay alters the photoluminescent and thermal properties. Nevertheless, the degree of the clay organophilization and the clay content influences the luminescent properties due to the diverse interaction behavior between the polymer and clay. The sodium clay acted only as dispersing agent since no intercalation process occurs and the emission displacement is assigned to this behavior. In this case the PF emission displace from 402 to 395 nm. A nonlinear displacement is observed for PF/OMt-2 due the difficulties to conclude if the intercalation of the polymer occurs (379, 403 and 412 for hybrid with 10, 30 and 50%, respectively). For PF/OMt-1 a higher displacements for lower wavelength is observed due to intercalation of polymer chains and subsequent isolation in the interlamellar space, especially with material with 10 and 30% of PF in the hybrid material, whose displacement reached to 360 nm. All these results show that is possible to try to control the emission of the conjugated hybrid material changing the rate of the material.

Tailoring Physical Aging in Super Glassy Polymers with Functionalized Porous Aromatic Frameworks for CO2 Capture

A series of chemically functionalized porous aromatic frameworks (PAFs) have been synthesized and deployed within mixed-matrix membranes for gas separation. This series of PAFs delivered for the first time simultaneous control of selective gas transport and physical aging within the membranes. New composites including native and metalated fullerenes were also prepared, and the composites exhibited exceptional increases in their porosity, which in turn resulted in ultrafast gas transport. CO2 permeability following PAF-1-Li6C60 infusion within poly(trimethylsilylpropyne) was as high as 50 600 Barrer, a 70% improvement. Remarkably, just 9% of this permeation rate diminished after 1 year of physical aging, compared to 74% in the native polymer. A series of characterization techniques revealed this phenomenon to be due to intercalation of polymer chains within the PAF pores, the strength of which is controlled by the levels of chemical functionalization and porosity. The membranes were exploited for gas separ...

Polyamide 11/Clay Nanocomposite Using Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Surfactants

This paper reports polyamide 11 (PA11)/layered silicate (clay) nanocomposite using polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) surfactants. POSS functionalized with amino, ammonium and guanidinium groups were synthesized and used to facilitate the intercalation of polymer chains between silicate layers thereby to improve the dispersion of clay in polymer matrix. Nanocomposites from the blends of POSS-modified clay and PA11 were thus formulated via melting compounding and their mechanical and physical properties were characterized.

Thermal, mechanical, and barrier properties of polyethylene/surlyn/organoclay nanocomposites blown films prepared by different mixing methods

(Low‐density polyethylene) (LDPE)/clay nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending in a twin‐screw extruder by using different mixing methods. Zinc‐neutralized carboxylate ionomer was used as a compatibilizer. Blown films of the nanocomposites were then prepared. The effect of mixing method on the clay dispersion and properties of the nanocomposites was evaluated by wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction analysis, mechanical properties, thermal properties, and barrier properties. The structure and properties of nanocomposites containing different amounts of nanoclay prepared by selected mixing techniques were also investigated. It was found that melt compounding of Surlyn/clay masterbatch with pure LDPE and Surlyn (two‐step‐a method) results in better dispersion and intercalation of the nanofillers than melt mixing of LDPE/Surlyn/clay masterbatch with pure LDPE and surlyn (two‐step‐b method) and direct mixing of LDPE with clay. The films containing ionomer have good barrier properties. A wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction pattern indicates that intercalation of polymer chains into the clay galleries decreases by increasing the clay content. Barrier properties and tensile modulus of the films were improved by increasing the clay content. In addition, tensile strength increased in the machine direction, but it decreased in the transverse direction by increasing the clay content. DSC results showed that increasing the clay content does not show significant change in the melting and crystallization temperatures. The results of thermogravimetric analysis showed that the thermal stability of the nanocomposites decreased by increasing the clay content more than 1 wt%. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 21:60–69, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers

IMPROVEMENT IN PHYSICAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF IIR/CR RUBBER BLEND ORGANOCLAY NANOCOMPOSITES

ABSTRACT The effects of organoclay loading and chloroprene rubber (CR) concentration on the cure characteristics, microstructure, and mechanical and rheological properties of isobutylene–isoprene rubber (IIR)/CR blend were investigated. Different compositions of CR (10, 20, and 40 wt%) with Cloisite15A as organo modified nanoclay (1, 3, 5, and 7 wt%) were used for blends by a two-roll mill. Samples were vulcanized at 175 °C using a hot press. The cure and scorch times and also the maximum torque of the composites increased with the incorporation of organoclay. Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation at break, modulus (100%, 200%, and 300%), and resilience improved with increasing nanoclay loading. The structure of the nanocomposites was characterized with X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). XRD results of nanocomposites indicated that the intercalation of polymer chains into the clay gallery was deduced from increasing the interlayer distance of silicate layers. TEM and SEM also directly confirmed XRD results.

Elastomer nanocomposites based on NBR/BR/nanoclay: morphology and mechanical properties

Abstract Ternary elastomer nanocomposites based on acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR), polybutadiene rubber (BR) and two types of nanoclay (Cloisite 15A and Cloisite 30B) were prepared using a laboratory scale two-roll mill. The effects of nanoclay composition on the cure characteristics, mechanical properties and morphology of NBR/BR (50/50) nanocomposite samples containing 3, 5, 7 and 10 wt% nanoclay were investigated. According to the cure characteristics both types of nanoclay caused a reduction in the scorch time and optimum cure time of the nanocomposite compound. X-ray diffraction patterns of all samples suggested the intercalation of polymer chains into the silicate layers. This was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) was utilized to study the dispersion state of nanoclay within the elastomer blend matrix. The results showed the development of mechanical properties with the establishment of interactions between nanoclay and polymer chains. Antiknock and brake fluid uptake were also reduced with increasing the nanoclay content.

A one‐pot method to prepare transparent poly(methyl methacrylate)/montmorillonite nanocomposites using imidazolium‐based ionic liquids

AbstractPoly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites were prepared by a new one‐pot technique, where the hydrophilic Na‐MMT layers were decorated with hydrophobic 1‐dodecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (C12mimPF6) ionic liquid in situ during melt blending with PMMA and intercalation of polymer chains took place subsequently. The in situ modification and intercalation of Na‐MMT were confirmed using X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The combination of the compatible C12mimPF6 with PMMA and the good dispersion of MMT layers at the nanoscale rendered the resultant PMMA/MMT nanocomposites with improved optical transparency, thermal stability and mechanical properties. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry

Use of purified and modified bentonites in linear low‐density polyethylene/organoclay/compatibilizer nanocomposites

AbstractPolyethylene‐based ternary nanocomposites were prepared with different clay structures, obtained by the modification of purified Resadiye bentonite as the reinforcement, a random terpolymer of ethylene, butyl acrylate, and maleic anhydride with the trade name Lotader3210 as the compatibilizer, and linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) as the polymer matrix in an intensive batch mixer. The quaternary ammonium/phosphonium salts used for the modification of bentonite were dimethyldioctadecyl ammonium (DMDA) chloride (Cl), tetrakisdecyl ammonium (TKA) bromide (Br), and tributylhexadecyl phosphonium (TBHP) Br. The effects of the physical properties and structure of the organoclay on the clay dispersion were studied at different clay contents (2 and 5 wt %) and at a compatibilizer/organoclay ratio of 2.5. The extent of organoclay dispersion was determined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and was verified by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), mechanical testing, and rheological analysis. XRD analysis showed that the nanocomposite with the organoclay DMDA contained intercalated silicate layers, as also verified by TEM. The TEM analysis of the nanocomposites with TBHP exhibited intercalated/partially exfoliated clay dispersion. TKA, with a crowded alkyl environment, sheltered and hindered the intercalation of polymer chains through the silicate layers. In comparison to pure LLDPE, nanocomposites with a 33–41% higher Young's modulus, 16–9% higher tensile strength, and 75–144% higher elongation at break were produced with DMDA and TBHP, respectively (at 5 wt % organoclay). The storage modulus increased by 807–1393%, and the dynamic viscosity increased by 196–339% with respect to pure LLDPE at low frequencies for the samples with DMDA and TBHP (at 5 wt % organoclay). © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012

Novel POBD‐modified organoclay and its polyimide nanocomposites for removal of the Co(II) ion

AbstractAn organophilic clay has been obtained via cation exchange reaction between sodium montmorillonite and the hydrochloride salt of 2‐(5‐(3,5‐diaminophenyl)‐1,3,4‐oxadiazole‐2‐yl)pyridine, POBD. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) showed that thermal decomposition of the organophilic clay starts at about 350°C, which shows that it is quite thermally stable compared with conventional montmorillonite modified with aliphatic long chain surfactants. POBD‐modified organoclay almost quantitatively removed the Co(II) ion from aqueous solution at pH = 10.0 (Qt = 3.00 mg g−1, R = 98.2%). A series of polyimide/clay nanocomposite materials (PCNs) consisting of POBD and benzophenone‐3,3′,4,4′‐tetracarboxylic dianhydride, BTDA were also prepared by an in situ polymerization reaction via thermal imidization. POBD‐modified organoclay was used as a surfactant at different concentrations. Intercalation of polymer chains within the organoclay galleries was confirmed by WXRD. Both the glass transition temperature and thermal stability are increased with respect to pristine PI at low clay concentrations. At high clay loadings, the aggregation of organoclay particles results in a decrease in Tg and thermal stability. In the SEM images of PCN 1 and 3%, too many micro cracks are observed in the background, and a flower‐shape pattern spreads uniformly over the entire surface. The maximum Co(II) uptake capacity and efficiency were observed at pH 10.0 within a 40‐h period for both PI and PCN films. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers

Glass Transition Behavior and Dynamic Fragility of PMMA-SAN Miscible Blend-Clay Nanocomposites

An investigation of the segmental dynamics and glass transition behavior of a miscible polymer blend composed of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(styrene-ran-acrylonitrile) (SAN) and its melt intercalated nanocomposite by dynamic mechanical analysis is presented. The principle goal was to address the effect of intercalation on local molecular structure and dynamics. The results showed that the intercalation of polymer chains in the galleries of organoclay (Cloisite 30B) led to a lower temperature dependence of the relaxation time (fragility) and activation energy of α-relaxation. Moreover, calculation of the distribution of the segmental dispersion showed a narrower dispersion in the glass transition region so that the Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts (KWW) distribution parameter (βKWW) increased from 0.21 for neat PMMA to 0.34 for the 50/50 PMMA/SAN blend nanocomposite containing 3 wt% organoclay. Furthermore, the relaxation behavior of the blends showed a negative deviation from mixture law predictions based on the responses of the neat PMMA and SAN. These behaviors were attributed to the lack of specific interactions between the blend components (PMMA, SAN, and nanoclay layers) and the less cooperative behavior, i.e., less constraint for segmental relaxation, of the intercalated chains.