Potassium diperiodatocuprate-mediated preparation of poly(methyl methacrylate)/organo-montmorillonite composites via in situ grafting copolymerization
K. L. Deng, J. Liu, G. Z. Wang, H. Tian, X. B. Ren, H. B. Zhong, P. F. Zhang
Vol. 2., No.9., Pages 677-686, 2008
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2008.80
DOI: 10.3144/expresspolymlett.2008.80
Corresponding author: K. L. Deng 
GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT
ABSTRACT
In this study, potassium diperiodatocuprate (Cu3+) was selected as an initiator to prepare poly(methyl methacrylate)/organo-montmorillonite composites (OMMT-g-PMMA) by in situ graft copolymerization. Three synthetic parameters were systematically evaluated as a function of the temperature, the concentration of initiator, pH and the ratio of MMA to OMMT. It was found that Cu3+ was a highly efficient initiator for the preparation of OMMT-g-PMMA i.e., monomer conversion and grafting efficiency were as higher as 95%. The X-ray diffraction measurement showed the intercalation of PMMA chains into OMMT layers on base of an increasing basal spacing after polymerization. FTIR analysis also suggested that the PMMA chains were effectively grafted onto OMMT substrate. The enhanced thermal stabilities of OMMT-g-PMMA composites were confirmed by the thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA). Finally, a single-electron-transfer mechanism was proposed to illustrate the formation of radicals and the preparation process of OMMT-g-PMMA composites. Cu3+ can be used as an effective and practical initiator in preparing the organic/inorganic composite due to its high grafting efficiency and the milder reaction condition.
