Polymer nanocomposites obtained by in situ polymerization

Different polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) were obtained by "in situ" polymerization process of monomers within the clay galleries of NANOCORE I33M. The PNCs were based on crosslinked polyesters, polystyrene, styreneacrylonitrile and styrene-methacrylic acid copolymers. The influence of the place in which the polymerization starts and the compatibility between the monomer and/or the formed polymer with the organic ions from the modified surface of the clay were studied. From XRD Spectra and TEM images it was proved that a high compatibility of the monomer and the polymer with the silicate layers is a required condition for obtaining PNCs. Additional data regarding the importance of this compatibility were obtained from ESR Spectra of spin radicals models with different structures and thus different hydrophilic/liphophilic balances which were kept in contact with the clay in either polar and non-polar solvents.