Polystyrene/Attapulgite Nanocomposites Prepared Via In Situ Suspension Polymerization With Redox Initiation System

A series of polymer-clay nanocomposites consisting of polystyrene (PS) and attapuglite (ATP) were prepared successfully. First, silane coupling agent containing aromatic tertiary amine groups was synthesized to functionalize ATP (M-ATP). Then, PS nanocomposites with varied clay loadings were prepared via in situ suspension polymerization process with a redox initiation system consisting of aromatic tertiary amine and benzoyl peroxide. The synthesis of silane coupling agent and functionalization of ATP were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Mechanical properties, morphology, thermal stability, and rheological behavior of nanocomposites were investigated to illuminate the effects of M-ATP on the structure and properties of nanocomposites. Field-emission scanning electron microscope images revealed an ideal dispersion of M-ATP and an enhanced toughness of nanocomposites. The improved interface interaction between M-ATP and PS matrix endowed the nanocomposites with outstanding mechanical properties and thermal stability. The formation of hybrid network in the nanocomposites containing 3 wt % M-ATP resulted in higher complex viscosity (*), storage modulus (G), and lower loss factor (tan) compared with the pristine PS and PS/ATP nanocomposites. (c) 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41567.