The influence of a quaternary ammonium salt and MMT on the in situ intercalative polymerization of PMMA

Poly(methylmetacrylate)/montmorillonite (PMMA)/(MMT) nanocomposites were prepared by a one-step in situ intercalative solution polymerization involving the simultaneous modification of the MMT with a quaternary ammonium salt (cetyl-trimethylammonium bromide (CTMAB)), polymerization and polymer intercalation. Using benzoyl peroxide as an initiator, intercalated nanocomposites were formed and characterized by NMR, DSC, TGA, XRD, TEM and SEC. It was observed that it was not the MMT, but rather the CTMAB, that influences the polymerization reaction, especially the reaction yield, the molar mass averages and the molar mass distribution of the PMMA. The thermal stability of the PMMA was improved by the addition of both the MMT and/or the CTMAB.

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► Detailed characterization of PMMA and nanocomposite with MMT is presented.
► Intercalated anocomposites PMMA/MMT were formed without modification.
► Quaternary ammonium salts strongly reduces free radical polymerization yield.
► Molar mass of polymer is affected by quaternary ammonium salt not by MMT.