Synthesis of poly(furfuryl alcohol)/montmorillonite nanocomposites by direct in-situ polymerization

The purpose of this study was to obtain poly(furfuryl alcohol) nanocomposites with Algerian organically modified clay (termed 12-montmorillonite). The formation of poly(furfuryl alcohol) was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy (IR); the prepared nanocomposites were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The evolution of mechanical properties was also studied. The obtained results confirm the intercalation of molecules of salt in the clay layers, and a good interaction with the polymer, showing the formation of intercalated and/or exfoliated structures. The nanocomposites showed higher thermal stability compared to pure polymer, and the mechanical properties presented interesting and promising results.