In situ synthesis of poly(methyl methacrylate)/MgAl layered double hydroxide nanocomposite with high transparency and enhanced thermal properties

A novel poly(methyl methacrylate)/MgAl layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposite (PMMA-MgAl NC) with high transparency and enhanced thermal properties was synthesized in situ by adding sodium hydroxide aqueous solution to an emulsion consisting of metal ion aqueous solution, sodium dodecyl sulfate, methyl methacrylate, and benzoyl peroxide, then followed by the thermal initiation polymerization. The basal spacing of PMMA-MgAl NC was 2.72 nm determined by X-ray diffraction measurement. The intercalated MgAl LDH particles of 60–120 nm width and 25–40 nm thickness were well dispersed at molecular level in the PMMA matrix. When the 50% weight loss was selected as a comparison point, the decomposition temperature of PMMA-MgAl NC sample with 30 wt% MgAl LDH (including dodecyl sulfate) was ca. 45 °C higher than that of pure PMMA.