Preparation and characterization of poly(methyl methacrylate)–clay nanocomposites via melt intercalation: Effect of organoclay on thermal, mechanical and flammability properties

The PMMA nanocomposites were prepared by melt processing method. The influence of organoclay loading on extent of intercalation, thermal, mechanical and flammability properties of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)–clay nanocomposites were studied. Three different organoclay modifiers with varying hydrophobicity (single tallow vs. ditallow) were investigated. The nanocomposites were characterized by using wide angle X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and tensile tests. The intercalation of polymer chain within the silicate galleries was confirmed by WAXD and TEM. Mechanical properties such as tensile modulus (E), tensile strength, percentage elongation at break and impact strength were determined for nanocomposites at various clay loadings. Overall thermal stability of nanocomposites increased by 16–17 °C. The enhancement in Tg of nanocomposite is merely by 2–4 °C. The incorporation of maleic anhydride as compatibilizer further enhanced all the properties indicating improved interface between PMMA and clay. The flammability characteristics were studied by determining the rate of burning and LOI.

Research highlights
► The present work deals with preparation and characterization of poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites via melt intercalation technique.
► The effect of various modified nanoclays on the properties of base matrix has been investigated.
► It was observed that compatibilization using maleic anhydride improved the performance characteristics of PMMA/layered silicate nanocomposites.