Preparation and properties of transparent poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposite films

PMMA nanocomposites based on the synthetic smectite were prepared and characterized. The synthetic smectites, STN and SPN, were effectively hybridized in the PMMA matrix, as confirmed by X-ray diffraction patterns and by transmission electron microscopy, and optical and thermal properties were measured. The morphologies of PMMA nanocomposite films, containing 1-9 wt% with respect to synthetic smectite, were defined as exfoliated-immiscible and exfoliated-intercalated nanocompostites for CHT and CHP series, respectively. The optical properties, such as haze and UV transmittance, were maintained for organoclay loading of 9 wt% for CHP series. Thermal stability evaluated by TGA showed a small increase in the maximum decomposition temperature (T-d); however, the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) dramatically decreased with the amount of organoclay content. The storage modulus and loss modulus increased with the weight fraction of organoclay.