Enhancement of Polystyrene Nanocomposites with THDACl-Modified Montmorillonite via Melt Compounding

The research findings on PS nanocomposites prepared with N,N,N-trimethyl-1hexadecyl ammonium chloride (THDACl) reveal improved dispersion, enhanced mechanical properties, and increased thermal stability. These advancements have significant implications for various industries, including automotive, aerospace, packaging, and electronics, where the nanocomposites can be utilized for lightweight structural components, flame -resistant coatings, and high-performance packaging materials. Increasing the interlayer distance (d -spacing) of fractioned sodium montmorillonite (FMMT-Na) using N,N,N-trimethyl-1-hexadecyl ammonium chloride (THDACl) is done to improve the compatibility and dispersion of the clay in polymer matrices. This modification is relevant and beneficial as it enhances the mechanical properties, barrier performance, and thermal stability of the resulting nanocomposites, opening up opportunities for various applications in industries such as packaging, automotive, construction, and electronics. PS nanocomposites were prepared by incorporating MMT clay using THDACl as a surfactant. The composition ratios included 1-10% weight percentage of MMT with a 1:1 weight ratio of THDACl to MMT. The melt compounding process involved treating MMT with THDACl, dispersing it in a solvent, and adding it to melted PS pellets. Characterization techniques, such as XRD, TEM, SEM, TGA, and mechanical testing, were used to evaluate the nanocomposites. The results demonstrated improved dispersion, enhanced mechanical properties, and increased thermal stability. These findings contribute to the optimization of the nanocomposites for specific applications.