Studies on the Morphology and Properties of PMMA-Organoclay Nanocomposites with Reference to the Manufacturing Techniques

The morphology and properties of PMMA-clay (1.5 phr) nanocomposites prepared by three different manufacturing techniques viz., solution mixing, melt mixing, and suspension polymerization, have been investigated. XRD study revealed that for particular clay loading, the extent of clay intercalation by the PMMA chains depend on the manufacturing techniques. The glass transition temperature of PMMA increased significantly in the in-situ polymerized PMMA-clay nanocomposites. TGA results revealed nearly 14% improvement in thermal stability of PMMA for in-situ polymerized PMMA-clay nanocomposite. In both the glassy and rubbery regions, the storage moduli of all the nanocomposites were higher than that of neat PMMA.