Application Of Controlled Free Radical Polymerization Method For Preparation Of Polymer / Montmorillonite Nanocomposites

By introducing a small amount of commercial inorganic fillers (including montmorillonite) into the polymer matrix, the performance of the composites can be improved markedly. Because the improvement of the composite properties depends on the nanostructural configuration and interfacial bonding between clay and polymers, the preparation method of polymer/clay nanocomposites is an important factor. We aim at finding a simple, economical and universal method to prepare polymer/MMT nanocomposites with excellent properties. We studied the three preparation methods of polymer/MMT nanocomposites, ie, in situ polymerization, solvent intercalation and melt intercalation. The mechenism of polymerization, the structure and properties of the composites prepared also was studied.Using controlled living radical polymerization method can design and prepare functional polymers and the structue can be controlled. It is a promising method to introduce the controlled radical polymerizations into the preparation of polymer/MMT nanocomposites. While the reports in this field is rare and the CRP methods they employed have born demerits. Because it is difficult for common RAFT agent to intercalate into the layers of MMT, there are no reports on RAFT agent immobilized on the interlayers of MMT and then preparing polymer/MMT nanocomposites by in situ RAFT method.All these facts are the origin and impetus of this thesis. The main results obtained in this thesis are as follows:1. Because it is difficult for common RAFT agent to intercalate the interlayer of MMT, there are no reports to synthesize polymer/MMT using surface initiated RAFT polymerization method. This paper first reports the preparation of multifunction RAFT agent 10-carboxylic acid-10-dithiobenzoate-decyltrimethylammonium bromide (CDDA). After intercalation, the d(001) space increased 1.4 nm. The increasing is bigger than CTAB intercalated MMT.2. Styrene was polymerized by in situ RAFT method in the presence of CDDA intercalated MMT. We put forward a mechanism and proved it. The polymerization...