Study of thermal and mechanical properties of PMMA/LDHs nanocomposites obtained by in situ bulk polymerization

In this study, we have investigated in situ bulk polymerization of methyl methacrylate (MMA) in the presence of LDH intercalated with the stearate anion. In situ polymerization was evaluated in order to try to obtain a more uniform LDH dispersion in the poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) matrix, which can improve the interaction between these two compounds, enhancing mechanical and thermal nanocomposite properties. In the open literature, studies about the mechanical and thermal properties of PMMA nanocomposites reinforced with stearate intercalated LDHs were not found. The results showed that LDH can be dispersed into PMMA and good mechanical and thermal properties were obtained. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.