A nanocomposite structure based on modified MCM-48 and polystyrene

A highly ordered vinyl-functionalized MCM-48 material has been synthesized through both co-condensation and post-synthesis grafting methods. The co-condensation method gives samples with larger pore sizes and higher thermal stability than the post-synthesis grafting method. But the sample resulting from post-synthesis grafting is much more ordered. A nanocomposite structure based on vinyl-functionalized MCM-48 and polystyrene (PS) was prepared through in situ polymerization. Characterization by FT-IR, Raman, XRD and N2 adsorption–desorption techniques indicates that inorganic/organic nanocomposites coupled at the nanometer level have been prepared by efficient polymerization of styrene monomers with the intrapore grafted vinyl groups. Bulk composites were produced by addition of the PS/post-synthesis vinyl grafted MCM-48 particles to a PS matrix. The stress–strain measurements demonstrate considerable improvement in Young’s modulus and tensile strength, when compared with the pure PS or with composites derived from PS and precipitated SiO2 or vinyl-functionalized MCM-48 particles without polymer pre-incorporated in the pores.