Polystyrene/graphite nanocomposites: effect on thermal stability

Nanocomposites consisting of polymer and clay have been shown to exhibit a significant reduction in flammability and an increase in mechanical properties. This work examines the effect of thermal stability and mechanical properties of nanocomposites prepared from potassium graphite and styrene. Synthesis of nanocomposites was accomplished by using potassium graphite (KC8) as the initiator in the polymerization of styrene. A slight increase in thermal stability is observed but mechanical properties are decreased. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.