Preparation and properties of new in-situ acrylic copolymer/terpolymer-clay hybrid nanocomposites

Acrylic copolymer- and 5% acrylic acid (AA) modified terpolymer-hybrids with unmodified montomorilonite clay (Cloisite Na) and organo-modified clay (Cloisite 10A) were synthesized by in-situ free radical bulk polymerization. Hybrid nanocomposites were investigated by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) technique, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical and mechanical properties. XRD results suggested polymer intercalation in both unmodified and organo-modified clay in the copolymer and terpolymer hybrids. AFM analysis further confirmed these results. Cloisite 10A hybrids and the terpolymeric nanocomposites demonstrated superior mechanical and dynamic mechanical properties. Terpolymer-clay hybrids with 9 wt% Cloisite 10A also showed higher thermal stability. The possible reasons for improvement of mechanical properties and thermal stability were discussed with reference to the structure and interaction.