KPS as In-Situ Intercalating Agent for Polymerization of Styrene-co-Butyl Acrylate/Montmorilonite Nanoparticles

In this work Cloisite Na+ was used as a solid surfactant (stabilizer) in Pickering emulsion polymerization of styrene-co-butyl acrylate in presence of oil soluble initiator, azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) and water soluble initiators such as potassium persulfate (KPS). Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum approved the corporation of Cloisite Na+ layers within the polymer matrix. Effect of clay content was assessed on the particle size and polymerization rate for both kinds of initiators. Reduction of particle size (nearly 100 nm), and enhancement of polymerization rate was observed by adding KPS, only. Morphology of the particles was investigated by SEM and TEM. Formation of armored latex particles and exfoliated structure of nanocomposites was revealed by XRD for sample containing KPS as initiator