Synthesis and Characterization of Poly (Methyl Methacrylate)-Clay Nanocomposite

Development of polymer nanocomposites has attracted a great attention recently, because of improvement in mechanical, physical and thermal properties when compared to the virgin polymer [1]. One of these engineering materials is polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites (PLSNs), which composed of a polymeric matrix and an incorporated nano-clay with silicate layers. PLSNs comparing to virgin polymer have a higher thermal stability, less gas permeability, less flammability and better mechanical properties [2].Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) is a colorless transparent plastic with high softening point and good weatherability. The layered silicates commonly used in nanocomposites belong to the structural family known as the 2:1 phyllosilicates. Montmorillonite, is the most commonly used layered silicates [3]. One of the most important techniques for preparation of PLSNs is in-situ polymerization.In this work the preparation of PMMA-montmorillonite nanocomposite has been studied. Techniques such as XRD, FTIR, and viscometry were employed to study the morphology, structure and molecular weight of the nanocomposite