Mechanical properties of highly filled latex-based polystyrene/laponite nanocomposites

• Published in: Solid State Phenomena, vol. 151, p. 30-34
• Series: Solid State Phenomena
• Trans Tech Publications Ltd, Laublsrutistr 24, Ch-8717 Stafa-Zurich, Switzerland, 2009

Nanocomposite films containing up to 50 wt. % laponite have been prepared from emulsion polymerized polystyrene (PS)/laponite latexes with the laponite attached to the PS particle surfaces. Below Tg, the observed stiffness increases are accounted for by classical models for mechanical reinforcement, but these severely underestimate the stiffness above Tg. An alternative model has therefore been proposed, in which the laponite and PS with reduced mobility form a cellular network, consistent with TEM observations. This cellular network is also argued to play an important role in the decrease in fracture resistance at high laponite contents, through decreases in matrix ductility and breakdown of the laponite stacks.

Keywords: Polystyrene ; nanocomposites ; mechanical properties ; emulsion polymerization

Note:

special issue: E-MRS fall meeting 2008 on nanotechnology

Reference

• LTC-ARTICLE-2009-015
• doi:10.4028/www.scientific.net/SSP.151.30
• View record in Web of Science

Record created on 2009-03-12, modified on 2016-08-08