Preparation and characterization of sulfonated syndiotactic polystyrene ionomers/organoclay nanocomposites

The preparation and characterization of nanocomposites of sulfonated syndiotactic (SsPS) ionomers with organoclay are discussed. The effects of sulfonation content, and type of ionomers on intercalation/exfoliation of SsPS ionomers/organoclay nanocomposites by using wide angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) are examined. The effects of clay layers on the crystallization of ionomers were also studied. The SsPS ionomers were prepared by fully neutralizing with addition of 20% excess methanolic alkali hydroxides, such as KOH, NAON, and RbOH. The extent of interaction of the SsPS ionomer with organoclay depends on the type of cation in the SsPS ionomers. The TEM micrograph shows agglomerated structures, which further implies that the organoclay tactoids remain intact and are consistent with WAXD data.