Preparation and characterization of organomodified Co-Al and Ni-Al layered double hydroxides (LDHs) reinforced polystyrene (PS) nanocomposites

Abstract

LDH reinforced PS nanocomposites were fabricated using solvent blending and melt blending methods. Co-Al LDH and Ni-Al LDH nanofillers were prepared using co-precipitation method. The obtained nanocomposites have been analyzed using x-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transmission infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Integral procedural decomposition temperature (IPDT) and Coats-Redfern method based activation energy analysis were carried out to evaluate the characterization parameters of said nanocomposites in comparison with pristine PS. Criado method was ultimately used to evaluate the decomposition reaction mechanism of the nanocomposites. Also, storage modulus, loss modulus and complex viscosity data were obtained by melt rheology analysis of the nanocomposites.