Exfoliated Poly (Styrene-co-Methyl methacrylate) Nanocomposite via AGET ATRP in Miniemulsion

Exfoliated poly (styrene-co-methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites were synthesized using activators generated by electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerization (AGET ATRP). Miniemulsion polymerization has been employed for its abundant advantages to encapsulate inorganic materials. Cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) as a cationic surfactant which is an effective surfactant at higher temperatures was used to stabilize the miniemulsion system. Successful miniemulsion AGET ATRP was carried out by using 4,4'-dinonyl-2,2'-bipyridine (dNbPy) as a hydrophobic ligand. Formation of monodispersed droplets and particles with sizes in the range of 200 nm was examined by dynamic light scattering (DLS). Conversion and molecular weight study was also carried out using gravimetry and gel permeation chromatography (GPC) respectively. Monodisperse distribution of spherical shape particles with sizes in the range of approximately 200 nm was demonstrated by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images of nanocomposite containing 1 wt% of nanoclay which is more compiled with dynamic light scattering (DLS) results. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results shows well-dispersed exfoliated clay layers in the polymer matrix with 1 wt% of nanoclay content which is coincidence with X-ray diffraction (XRD) data.