Synthesis of Copoly (Styrene/ Butyl Acrylate) Modified Montmorillonite Core- Shell Nanocomposite Particles

Due to unique applications of nanocomposites over traditional composites [1-3], many researchers are working on this topic. Interests in the polymer encapsulation of layered-silicate clay especially montmorillonite (MMT) has continued to develop because these nanocomposites offer special properties such as barrier properties [4] against liquids and gases used for barrier coatings in food packaging, agricultural and pharmaceutical industries.There are several reports on encapsulation of inorganic particles by organic polymeric phase but no report exists, which describes the encapsulation and therefore exfoliation of Cloisite®30B (an organically modified MMT), inside copoly (styrene/butyl acrylate) particles. Since MMT has a platy structure with a broad aspect ratio and size distribution, more difficulties are involved for their encapsulation in monomer droplets and polymeric latex particles [5].In this study, miniemulsion polymerization technique was used to synthesize encapsulated copoly (styrene/butyl acrylate) nanocomposite latex particles including Cloisite®30B and the process parameters were examined in detail with the help of DLS, XRD, SEM, TEM and ICP analysis [6].