Ultrasound assisted synthesis of PMMA/clay nanocomposites: Study of oxygen permeation and flame retardant properties

PMMA/clay nanocomposites were synthesized by ultrasound assisted emulsifier-free emulsion polymerization technique. Ultrasound waves of different power and frequencies were applied to enhance the dispersion of the clay layers with polymer matrix. The structural information of the synthesized materials was studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and it was revealed that the interlayer spacing increased with clay loading. The magnitude of dispersion of the clay in the polymer matrix was detected by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The Young's modulus, breaking stress, elongation at break, toughness, yield stress and yield strain of the nanocomposites as a function of different clay concentrations and ultrasonic power were measured. Particle diameter of the nanocomposites was measured by laser diffraction technique. Oxygen permeability of the samples was studied and it was found that the oxygen flow rate was reduced by the combined effect of clay loading and ultrasound. The flame retardant property of the nanocomposites due to clay dispersion was investigated by measurement of limiting oxygen index (LOI).