Elaboration and characterization of PMMA/Cloisite®30 nano-composite

This work is dedicated to the study of PMMA/Cloisite® 30B nano-composite membranes, prepared in solution. Several techniques were used to characterize the samples, namely: thickness measurement, swelling test, IF fluidity index, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy FTIR analysis, thermogravimetric ATG analysis and scanning electron microscopy SEM. The thickness results obtained showed that thin films were obtained. Moreover, the addition of clay (Cloisite®30B) increases the swelling capacity in water as well as the viscosity of PMMA/Cloisite® 30B nano-composites. FTIR analysis illustrated the specific interactions between the polymer and the reinforcement. ATG results showed that the clay improves the thermal stability of PMMA. SEM observations well illustrated the interactions between the pure polymer and the reinforcement in accordance with the FTIR spectra.