Synthesis and characterization of polystyrene-graphite nanocomposites via surface raft-mediated polymerization
Date
2012
Authors
Etmimi H.M.
Sanderson R.D.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
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Abstract
The synthesis of polystyrene/GO (PS-GO) nanocomposites using the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) mediated polymerization method is described. The GO was synthesized and immobilized with a RAFT agent to afford RAFT-functionalized GO nanosheets. The RAFT-immobilized GO was used for the synthesis of PS nanocomposites in a controlled manner using miniemulsion polymerization. The moelcular weight and dispersity of the PS in the nanocomposites depended on the amount of RAFT-grafted GO in the system, in accordance with the features of the RAFT-mediated polymerization. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that the nanocomposites had exfoliated morphology, even at relatively high GO content. The thermal stability and mechanical properties of the PS-GO nanocomposites were better than those of the neat PS polymer. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were dependent on the RAFT-grafted GO content. © (2012) Trans Tech Publications.
Description
Keywords
Graphite, Miniemulsion polymerization, Polystyrene, RAFT agent
Citation
Advanced Materials Research
463-464
527
532
463-464
527
532