Polymer/claynanocomposites were synthesized via emulsion polymerization to act as barriermembranes. Cloisite � Na+ was modified via ion exchange to tether areactive group on the surface of the silicate platelet in order to promotepolymerization and exfoliation of the stacked platelets. Poly(n-butylmethacrylate)/clay and poly(n-butyl methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate)/claybarrier membranes provided possible exfoliated morphologies in the matrix, asseen by X-ray diffraction analysis. The addition of organically modified claysin the matrix improved the thermal properties of the barrier membranes. Resultsfrom dynamic light scattering (DLS) suggest that the growth of particles in theemulsion may be restricted by the presence of montmorillonite clay platelets aswell as copolymer composition. Permeability data indicates that the use of aglassy co-polymer improves barrier properties of the membrane. Phenomenologicalmodels suggest an improved alignment and dispersion of the clay platelets inthe matrix.

Gas transport properties of poly acrylate/clay nanocomposites prepared
via emulsion polymerization

239th National Meeting (2010)

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Gas transport properties of poly acrylate/clay nanocomposites prepared via emulsion polymerization