Miniemulsion polymerization of styrene in the presence of different commercial clays

Stable nanocomposite latexes based on styrene with/without layered silicate using miniemulsion polymerization procedure, were obtained. The presence of the clays influences the average diameter of the particles and the size distribution, as it was shown by DLS analyses. In order to evidence the inorganic partner's presence as well as the intercalation/exfoliation of clay layers in the polymer matrix, FTIR and XRD analyses were performed. Thermal behavior of the obtained nanocomposites by TGA and DSC was followed. The morphology of the final latex was observed by ESEM.