Synthesis and properties of poly(methyl methacrylate)/clay nanocomposites prepared via in situ polymerization with Ni(acac)2 catalyst

Poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA)/clay nano‐composites were successfully prepared by a new method, in situ polymerization initiated with a nickel(II) acetylacetonate [Ni(acac)2] catalyst in combination with methylalumoxane (MAO). The synthesized PMMA/clay nanocomposites materials were subsequently investigated through a series of characterization techniques. A partially‐exfoliated and partially intercalated structure was confirmed by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). PMMA/clay nanocomposites having low clay contents less than five weight percent (5 wt %) were found to retain over 90% of transparency of pure PMMA in the visible light region, which is important for optical applications. Compared to pure PMMA, the thermal stability, glass transition temperature of the PMMA/clay nanocomposites were significantly improved by the presence of nanometric silicate layers. The unique properties of the nanocomposites resulted from the strong interactions between the silicate layers and the PMMA chains.