Synthesis and characterization of sPS/montmorillonite nanocomposites

The present work analyzed the possibility of obtaining and producing syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS)–based nanocomposites. The work first focused on possible technology to use for intercalation from solution and melt intercalation. Using a blend of sPS with atactic polystyrene (aPS) as the matrix was also considered. Thermal analysis techniques, such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetry (TGA), were used to study the thermal properties and stability of the nanocomposites obtained and to select the most appropriate nanocharges. The effect of the introduction of nanofillers on these properties also was evaluated. X–ray diffraction was used to investigate the degree of clay exfoliation. Finally, mechanical characterization of the nanocomposites obtained was performed and compared to that of the pure material. The tests demonstrated that nanodispersion of phyllosilicate layers improved the mechanical behavior of the polymers analyzed, especially the annealed sPS. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 4957–4963, 2006