The research findings on PS nanocomposites prepared with N,N,N-trimethyl-1-
hexadecyl ammonium chloride (THDACl) reveal improved dispersion, enhanced
mechanical properties, and increased thermal stability. These advancements have
significant implications for various industries, including automotive, aerospace,
packaging, and electronics, where the nanocomposites can be utilized for lightweight
structural components, flame-resistant coatings, and high-performance packaging
materials. Increasing the interlayer distance (d-spacing) of fractioned sodium
montmorillonite (FMMT-Na) using N,N,N-trimethyl-1-hexadecyl ammonium chloride
(THDACl) is done to improve the compatibility and dispersion of the clay in polymer
matrices. This modification is relevant and beneficial as it enhances the mechanical
properties, barrier performance, and thermal stability of the resulting nanocomposites,
opening up opportunities for various applications in industries such as packaging,
automotive, construction, and electronics. PS nanocomposites were prepared by
incorporating MMT clay using THDACl as a surfactant. The composition ratios included
1-10% weight percentage of MMT with a 1:1 weight ratio of THDACl to MMT. The
melt compounding process involved treating MMT with THDACl, dispersing it in a
solvent, and adding it to melted PS pellets. Characterization techniques, such as XRD,
TEM, SEM, TGA, and mechanical testing, were used to evaluate the nanocomposites.
The results demonstrated improved dispersion, enhanced mechanical properties, and
increased thermal stability. These findings contribute to the optimization of the
nanocomposites for specific applications.
Citation
Smail TERCHI ,
AMIRA Saiga ,
Belkacem ZID EL KHEIR ,
Ghania BENAICHE ,
, (2024-04-30), Enhancement of Polystyrene Nanocomposites with THDACl-Modified Montmorillonite via Melt Compounding, Annales de Chimie - Science des Matériaux,
Vol:48, Issue:2, pages:251-258, IIETA
