Gas transport properties of polyacrylate/clay nanocomposites prepared via emulsion polymerization

0348578 - ÚMCH 2011 RIV NL eng J - Journal Article
Herrera-Alonso, J. M. - Sedláková, Zdeňka - Marand, E.
Gas transport properties of polyacrylate/clay nanocomposites prepared via emulsion polymerization.
Journal of Membrane Science. Roč. 363, 1/2 (2010), s. 48-56. ISSN 0376-7388. E-ISSN 1873-3123
R&D Projects: GA MŠMT ME09058
Institutional research plan: CEZ:AV0Z40500505
Keywords : barrier membranes * nanocomposites * phenomenological models
Subject RIV: CD - Macromolecular Chemistry
Impact factor: 3.673, year: 2010

Poly(n-butyl methacrylate)/clay and poly(n-butyl methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate)/clay nanocomposites were synthesized via emulsion polymerization to act as barrier membranes. Cloisite® Na+ was modified via ion exchange to tether acryloxy reactive groups on the surface of the silicate platelet in order to promote polymerization and exfoliation of the stacked platelets. The addition of organically modified clays in the matrix improved the thermal and barrier properties of the nanocomposite. Results indicate that the polymer particle size in the emulsion dictated the dispersion of the montmorillonite clay platelets in the polymer matrix and the subsequent barrier properties of the membranes. Membranes fabricated utilizing emulsions with polymer particle sizes down to 120 nm gave rise to the highest barrier properties. The presence of 5 wt.% clays decreased gas permeability by up to 85% in certain copolymer systems compared to the pristine polymer.
Permanent Link: http://hdl.handle.net/11104/0006052