Advanced functionalization of organoclay nanoparticles by silylation and their polystyrene nanocomposites obtained by miniemulsion polymerization

Four types of alkoxysilanes with different organosilyl groups were used for the silylation of a commercial alkylammonium-modified montmorillonite (Cloisite 30B). TGA, XPS, DLS, FTIR, XRD, and contact angle measurements were performed for the characterization of the silylated clays. Furthermore, the behavior of these advanced hydrophobic clays in the miniemulsion polymerization process of styrene and the characterization of nanocomposites materials were followed. The hydrophobic nature is a combined result of the length of the organic chain and of the amount of silane groups grafted onto clay edges, reflected also in the final properties of the nanocomposite latexes.