Sonication-assisted synthesis of polystyrene (PS)/organoclay nanocomposites: influence of clay content

Abstract

This article presents the synthesis of a series of polystyrene (PS)/organoclay nanocomposite films consisting of different contents of clay (1-7 wt%) by sonicationcoupled solvent-blending technique. The prepared PS nanocomposite films were characterized using various techniques, including X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). The XRD and TEM results revealed the formation of exfoliated nanocomposites at lower loading of organoclay (\5 wt%). The presence of various functional groups in the organoclay and PS/organoclay nanocomposite was verified by FTIR spectra. The thermal stability of PS nanocomposites was significantly improved as compared to pristine PS, which is evident from TGA analysis. When 10% mass loss was chosen as a point of reference, the thermal degradation temperature of PS nanocomposite holding 7 wt% of organoclay was found to be 30°C more over pristine PS. The thermal kinetic parameters such as activation energy (E a ), pre-exponential factor (A), and the order of reaction (n) were determined by employing the Coats-Redfern model. Thermal degradation reaction mechanism of PS nanocomposites was also investigated.

Polystyrene/polyolefin elastomer/halloysite nanotubes blend nanocomposites: Morphology‐thermal degradation kinetics relationship

“…It is clear that the experimental curve of PS corresponds most closely to the Z(F1)/Z(0.5) curve. A similar result was observed for PS in other works 85 . It is believed that the thermal degradation of plastics, that is, PS, follows a single‐order reaction 86 .…”

“…A similar result was observed for PS in other works. 85 It is believed that the thermal degradation of plastics, that is, PS, follows a single-order reaction. 86 The experimental curve of the 90/10 blend follows the F2 reaction mechanism.…”

Effect of Na- and Organo-Modified Montmorillonite/Essential Oil Nanohybrids on the Kinetics of the In Situ Radical Polymerization of Styrene

“…A similar trend was observed in the T max values. Enhanced thermal properties for nanocomposites of polystyrene with organomodified clays have also been observed by other researchers [ 41 , 48 ]. The origin of this increase in the degradation temperatures when MMT is added in the polymer matrix has been attributed to the ability of nanometer silicate layers to obstruct volatile gas produced by thermal decomposition.…”

Fabrication and Characterization of Organically Modified Layered Double Hydroxide/Poly (Lactic Acid) Nanocomposite by Sonication-Assisted Solution Compounding Method

“…Typically, the dispersion of LDHs in the polymer matrix is better when using the solution mixing method compared to the melt blending method [25]. In the solution compounding approach, ultrasound assistance is commonly employed as a strategy to achieve better dispersion of additives in the polymer matrix [26,27]. Furthermore, research has indicated that ultrasound assistance is beneficial for facilitating the formation of intercalated structures between intercalation-modified LDHs and polymer chains, thereby enhancing the compatibility between LDHs and the polymer [25].…”