Palygorskite/polystyrene nanocomposites via facile in-situ bulk polymerization: Gelation and thermal properties

Novel palygorskite/polystyrene (PLG/PS) nanocomposites were synthesized via the facile in-situ bulk radical polymerization of styrene in the presence of the organo-palygorskite (Org-PLG) nanorods, which was prepared by the modification of the acid-activated palygorskite (A-PLG) nanorods with the functional silane (γ-methacryloxypropyl trimethoxy silane (MPS)). The micro-gels with the Org-PLG nanorods as crosslinker were produced in the PLG/PS nanocomposites regardless of the polymerizing conditions, such as the feeding ratios of the Org-PLG, initiator and N2 atmosphere. Based on the gelation and thermal properties of the PLG/PS nanocomposites, the optimal preparation condition via the in-situ bulk polymerization was achieved and the crosslinking mechanism to the micro-gels was also depicted. This understanding should lead to a better design of clay mineral modifications for use in polymer nanocomposites.