Synthesis and characterization of poly(N-n-butylmaleimide)-clay nanocomposites

Poly(N-n-butylmaleimide)-clay nanocomposites were synthesized by free radical polymerization of N-n-butylmaleimide containing dispersed organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT). OMMT particles prepared by surface treatment of montmorillonite (MMT) by cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide were easily dispersed and swollen in N-n-butylmaleimide monomer. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) indicated that exfoliation of MMT was achieved. In addition, DSC results showed that the glass transition temperature of the nanocomposites was higher than that of pure poly(N-n-butylmaleimide). (C) 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.