Synthesis and characterization of polystyrene-clay composites

Polystyrene has long been recognized as a versatile and cost-effective solution for rigid packaging and food service disposables. The current research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of polystyrene-claycomposite materials with improved mechanical and thermal properties to be used as packaging materials Polystyrene/clay composites were prepared via emulsion polymerization using clay as the filler material. The effects of clay fillers on the desired properties of polystyrene-clay composites were investigated by using, tensile property analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential thermal analysis and water absorption. Structural determinations of the polymer composites were carried out using FTIR spectroscopy which confirmed that the filler is not chemically bonded to the Polystyrene matrix. Enhanced tensile properties were observed when the filler with small particle sizes is introduced in very small percentages. The thermal stability of the composites was higher than that of polystyrene as evidenced by the shift of onset degradation temperature towards higher values as measured by TGA. Degradation temperature was increased with the amount of filler as well as with the filler size. The extent of water absorption was increased with the increasing filler percentage and the particle size of clay added.