Preparation and flame retardancy of polystyrene nanocomposites based on layered double hydroxides

Various layered double hydroxides (LDHs), including MgAl, CoAl, NiAl, and ZnAl‐LDHs, were synthesized and modified using sodium dodecyl benzene sulfonate. Nonhalogen flame‐retardant PS/LDHs nanocomposites were prepared via melt mixing method. The structure of PS/LDHs nanocomposites was investigated by Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern technique, and scanning electronic microscope. Results from XRD indicated that intercalated/exfoliated structure was achieved in the polystyrene matrix. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis suggested that the storage modulus and T _g for the PS/LDHs nanocomposites was efficiently improved. Thermal and flammability properties of PS nanocomposites were investigated using thermogravimetry and cone calorimetry. Thermal analysis was evaluated and the prepared nanocomposites showed slightly lower thermal stability probably due to the presence of LDH, which starts to decompose at a lower temperature. Compared with neat PS, the peak heat release rate of PS/MgAl and PS/ZnAl‐LDHs nanocomposites filled with 5 wt% LDHs is reduced by 7% and 12%, respectively. Among all LDHs, MgAl, and ZnAl‐LDHs had a better smoke suppression effect with a reduction of peak smoke production rate and CO release rate of 37% and 44%, respectively. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1680–1688, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Rubber/LDH nanocomposites by solution blending

The rubber nanocomposites containing ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) having 60 wt % of vinyl acetate content and organomodified layered double hydroxide (DS‐LDH) as nanofiller have been prepared by solution intercalation method and characterized. The XRD and TEM analysis demonstrate the formation of completely exfoliated EVA/DS‐LDH nanocomposites for 1 wt % filler loading followed by partially exfoliated structure for 5–8 wt % of DS‐LDH content. EVA/DS‐LDH nanocomposites show improved mechanical properties such as tensile strength (TS) and elongation at break (EB) in comparison with neat EVA. The maximum value of TS (5.1 MPa) is noted for 3 wt % of DS‐LDH content with respect to TS value of pure EVA (2.6 MPa). The data from thermogravimetric analysis show the improvement in thermal stability of the nanocomposites by ≈15°C with respect to neat EVA. Limiting oxygen index measurements show that the nanocomposites act as good flame retardant materials. Swelling property analysis shows improved solvent resistance behavior of the nanocomposites (1, 3, and 5 wt % DS‐LDH content) compared with neat EVA‐60. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Effects of a phosphorus compound on the morphology,thermal properties,and flammability of polystyrene/MgAl‐layered double hydroxide nanocomposites

Phosphorus, nitrogen‐containing monomer, acryloxyethyl phenoxy phosphorodiethyl amidate (AEPPA), was synthesized and copolymerized with styrene (St). Nanocomposites of polystyrene and poly(St‐co‐AEPPA) with various amounts of Mg‐Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) were then prepared by in situ bulk polymerization. Structure and morphology of the nanocomposites were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The nanocomposites were also examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC) to evaluate the thermal properties and flammability. Intercalated or exfoliated structures were obtained for all the nanocomposites. The results from XRD and TEM showed the LDH layers dispersed better in poly(St‐co‐AEPPA) than those in PS matrix. Decrease in thermal stability and enhancement in char residues were observed for poly(St‐co‐AEPPA) nanocomposites compared with PS nanocomposites at the same LDH loading. The addition of LDH can obviously reduce the heat release capacity (HRC) and total heat release (THR) of PS. Moreover, further reductions in HRC and THR were found in poly(St‐co‐AEPPA) nanocomposites. The reduction in flammability was attributed to the lower maximum mass loss rate (MMLR) and higher char residues of the nanocomposites. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Polystyrene nanocomposite materials by in situ polymerization into montmorillonite–vinyl monomer interlayers

A different series of new polystyrene–clay nanocomposites have been prepared by grafting polymerization of styrene with vinyl‐montmorillonite (MMT) clay. The synthesis was achieved through two steps. The first step is the modification of clay with the vinyl monomers, such as N,N‐dimethyl‐n‐octadecyl‐4‐vinylbenzyl‐ammonium chloride, n‐octadecyl‐4‐vinylbenzyl‐ammonium chloride, triphenyl‐4‐vinylbenzyl‐phosphonium chloride, and tri‐n‐butyl‐4‐vinylbenzyl‐phosphonium chloride. The second step is the polymerization of styrene with different ratios of vinyl‐MMT clay. The materials produced were characterized by different physical and chemical methods: (1) IR spectra, confirming the intercalation of the vinyl‐cation within the clay interlayers; (2) thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), showing higher thermal stability for PS–nanocomposites than polystyrene (PS) and higher thermal stability of nanocomposites with of phosphonium moieties than nanocomposites with ammonium moieties; (3) swelling measurements in different organic solvents, showing that the swelling degree in hydrophobic solvents increases as the clay ratio decreases; (4) X‐ray diffraction (XRD), illustrating that the nanocomposites were exfoliated at up to a 25 wt % of organoclay content; and (5) scanning electron microscopy (SEM), showing a complete dispersion of PS into clay galleries. Also, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed nanosize spherical particles of ～ 150–400 nm appearing in the images. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3739–3750, 2007     

Morphological,mechanical, and thermal features of PMMA nanocomposites containing two‐dimensional Co–Al layered double hydroxide

The focus of the current study is to investigate the influence of Co–Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) on the morphological, thermal, and mechanical features of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)‐based nanocomposites. Sodium dodecyl sulfate modified Co–Al LDH was synthesized by single step coagulation method. The PMMA nanocomposites containing different loadings of nanofiller (1–7 wt %) and polystyrene‐grafted maleic anhydride compatibilizer (5 wt %) were melt intercalated via twin screw extruder and later subjected to injection molding to prepare mechanical testing samples. The different properties of PMMA nanocomposites were studied by using XRD, TEM, FTIR, DSC, TGA, tensile, flexural, impact, and flammability analysis. The result of XRD analysis suggested the exfoliated morphology of the nanocomposite while the TEM demonstrated the intercalated structure at higher loading of LDH. The thermal characterization results revealed that thermal properties were improved by the addition of Co–Al LDH, whereas the flammability test exposed that dripping was minimum at 7 wt % loading. The mechanical properties exhibited that optimum results were obtained at 1 wt % loading of Co–Al LDH. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45774.     

In situ microwave‐assisted polymerization of polyethylene terephtalate in layered double hydroxides

The synthesis of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites through microwave methods has been investigated. To enhance the compatibility between the PET polymer and the LDH, dodecyl sulfate was intercalated in the lamellar structure. The organo‐LDH structure was confirmed by powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). PET nanocomposites were prepared with 0–10 wt % of LDH content by in situ microwave‐assisted polymerization. PXRD was used to detect the formation of the exfoliated PET/LDH nanocomposites. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe the dispersed layers and to confirm the exfoliation process. FTIR spectroscopy confirmed that the polymerization process had occurred. TG and DTA are used to study changes in thermal stability of the nanocomposites, which resulted enhanced by well dispersed LDHs layers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Carbon nanohorn and graphene nanoplate based polystyrene nanocomposites for superior electromagnetic interference shielding applications

In this article is reported the preparation of carbon nanohorn (CNH)/graphene nanoplates (GNP)/polystyrene (PS) nanocomposites through in‐situ bulk polymerization of styrene monomer in the presence of CNH, followed by the addition of suspension polymerized GNP/PS bead during polymerization of styrene, as next‐generation multifunctional material for high electrical conductivity and electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) applications. Morphological analysis revealed selective dispersion of CNH in bulk polymerized PS matrix, where GNP/PS beads were randomly distributed. The formation of continuous CNH–CNH conductive path and GNP–CNH–GNP or CNH–GNP–CNH conductive network throughout the PS matrix at exceptionally low loading of CNH (1.0 wt %) and GNP (0.15 wt %) leads to high electrical conductivity (6.24 × 10^?2 S cm^?1) and EMI SE ～(?24.83 dB) when the nanocomposites was prepared in the presence of 75 wt % GNP/PS bead. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015 , 132, 42803.     

Preparation,characterization, and thermal properties of polystyrene‐block‐quaternized poly(4‐vinylpyridine)/Montmorillonite nanocomposites

Polystyrene‐block‐poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (PS‐b‐P4VP) was synthesized by two steps of reversible addition‐fragmentation transfer (RAFT) polymerization of styrene (St) and 4‐vinylpyridine (4VP) successively. After P4VP block was quaternized with CH₃I, PS‐b‐quaternized P4VP/montmorillonite (PS‐b‐QP4VP/MMT) nanocomposites were prepared by cationic exchange reactions of quaternary ammonium ion in the PS‐b‐QP4VP with ions in MMT. The results obtained from X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images demonstrate that the block copolymer/MMT nanocomposites are of intercalated and exfoliated structures, and also a small amount of silicates' layers remained in the original structure; differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) results show that the nanocomposites displayed higher glass transition temperature (T_g) and higher thermal stability than that of the corresponding copolymers. The blending of PS‐b‐QP4VP/MMT with commercial PS makes MMT to be further separated, and the MMT was homogeneously dispersed in the polymer matrix. The enhancement of thermal stability of PS/PS‐b‐QP4VP/MMT is about 20°C in comparison with commercial PS. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102:1950–1958, 2006     

The Effect of Clay Loading on the Morphology and Properties of Poly(styrene‐co‐butyl acrylate)/Clay Nanocomposites

This paper investigates the effect of both the clay loading and the monomer feed rate on the morphology and properties of poly(styrene‐co‐butyl acrylate)‐clay nanocomposites prepared in emulsion polymerization. Analysis by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of the nanocomposites prepared by batch polymerization showed that the polymer clay nanocomposites (PCNs) with 1–3 wt.‐% clay loading resulted in intercalated structures, while exfoliated structures were obtained at 10 wt.‐% clay loading. The polymerization was also carried out with semi‐batch polymerization. The morphology, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of nanocomposites obtained were found to be more strongly dependent on the clay/polymer ratio than the monomer feed rate.

     

Preparation and characterization of exfoliated layered double hydroxide/silicone rubber nanocomposites

Silicone rubber (SR)/Mg–Al layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites were prepared by the solution intercalation of SR crosslinked by a platinum‐catalyzed hydrosilylation reaction into the galleries of dodecyl sulfate intercalated layered double hydroxide (DS–LDH). X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis showed the formation of exfoliated structures of organomodified LDH layers in the SR matrix. The tensile strength and elongation at break of SR/DS–LDH (5 wt %) were maximally improved by 53 and 38%, respectively, in comparison with those of the neat polymer. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated that the thermal degradation temperature of the exfoliated SR/DS–LDH (1 wt %) nanocomposites at 50% weight loss was 20°C higher than that of pure SR. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis data confirmed that the melting temperature of the nanocomposites increased at lower filler loadings (1, 3, and 5 wt %), whereas it decreased at a higher filler loading (8 wt %). The relative improvements in the solvent‐uptake resistance behavior of the SR/DS–LDH nanocomposites were also observed. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Morphology and mechanical properties of natural rubber latex films modified by exfoliated Na‐montmorillonite/polyethyleneimine‐g‐poly (methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites

Na‐montmorillonite/polyethyleneimine‐g‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (Na‐MMT/PEI‐g‐PMMA) nanocomposite latexes were prepared by soap‐free emulsion polymerization in the aqueous suspension of Na‐MMT. The exfoliated morphology of the nanocomposites was confirmed by XRD and TEM. With the aim of improving morphology and mechanical properties of natural rubber latex (NRL) films, the synthesized Na‐MMT/PEI‐g‐PMMA nanocomposites were mixed with NRL by latex compounding technology. The results of SEM and AFM analysis showed that the surface of NRL/Na‐MMT/PEI‐g‐PMMA film was smoother and denser than that of pristine NRL film while Na‐MMT was dispersed uniformly on the fracture surface of the modified films, which suggested the good compatibility between NRL and Na‐MMT/PEI‐g‐PMMA. The tensile strength of NRL/Na‐MMT/PEI‐g‐PMMA films was increased greatly by 85% with 10 phr Na‐MMT/PEI‐g‐PMMA when Na‐MMT content was 3 wt % and the elongation at break also increased from 930% to 1073% at the same time. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016 , 133, 43961.     

Preparation of polyacrylate‐clay nanocomposites by in‐situ polymerization and heterocoagulation

Polyacrylate‐clay nanocomposites were prepared by an in situ polymerization method followed by heterocoagulation. In the heterocoagulation method, a cationic polyacrylate emulsion was prepared by emulsion polymerization using a cationic initiator in the presence/absence of free surfactant, cetyl trimethylammonium bromide (CTABr), followed by mixing with an aqueous clay slurry. WAXD results and TEM images suggest that morphologies of these nanocomposites depend on preparation method, mixing method, and the amount of free surfactant. TG‐DTG analyses demonstrate the improvement in thermal stability of these nanocomposites, while DSC results indicate no significant changes in glass transition temperature of these nanocomposites. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 101: 3850–3855, 2006     

In situ synthesis,morphology, and thermal properties of polystyrene—MgAl layered double hydroxide nanocomposites

Polystyrene (PS)/layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanocomposites were synthesized by in situ free radical bulk polymerization. LDH formed by magnesium and aluminum (Mg:Al—molar ratio of 2:1) was prepared by coprecipitation method and intercalated with sodium dodecyl sulfate (DDS). The nanocomposites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and flammability test. The XRD and TEM demonstrated that synthesized nanocomposites in all compositions studied showed a high global dispersion of LDH in PS, suggesting exfoliation. The results of TGAs (when 50% mass loss was selected as a comparison point) and flammability tests for synthesized nanocomposites, presented a significant improvement in thermal stability and flammability property when compared with pure PS. This behavior and properties indicate application of the surfactant intercalated LDH reinforced PS in fields where thermal stability is an important characteristic. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Structure and properties of polybutadiene/montmorillonite nanocomposites prepared by in situ polymerization

Polybutadiene (PB)/Montmorillonite nanocomposites (NCs) were prepared by in situ polymerization through the anionic polymerization technique. The effects of treating method of organophilic MMT (OMMT), the type of OMMT, and the solvent used in polymerization were studied. The structure and properties of NCs were characterized using X‐ray Diffraction (XRD), transmission electron micrograph (TEM), H‐NMR spectrum, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The consumption of BuLi was varied with different treating methods. The molecular weight distribution of PB added with OMMT (DK1) was wide, and the molecular weight distribution became narrow when OMMT‐DK1B and DK4 were added. OMMT did not disperse stably in cyclohexane, but could form a homogeneous solution in toluene and xylene. XRD and TEM showed that exfoliated NCs were obtained by in situ polymerization through the anionic polymerization technique. From the H‐NMR spectrum of PB and PB/OMMT NCs, it could be seen that the content of 1, 2 units of PB increased ～100%, while 1, 4 units decreased when 6.2 wt % of OMMT was added. The results of DSC and DMA indicated that T_g and T_dc were increased when compared with those of PB. Both storage modulus and loss modulus were increased with the addition of OMMT, and tan δ was decreased. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 3615–3621, 2006     

Synergistic effect of dual nanofillers (MWCNT and Ni–Al LDH) on the electrical and thermal characteristics of polystyrene nanocomposites

The advantage of using 3D hybrid filler containing carboxylic acid functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (c‐MWCNTs) and sodium dodecyl sulfate modified Ni–Al layered double hydroxide (sN‐LDH) over c‐MWCNTs and sN‐LDHs acting alone was investigated. PS/c‐MWCNT composites proved to be good for improvement of properties, but not to an appreciable level, especially in case of electrical conductivity, flame retardancy, rheology, and water vapor permeability. Hence, a combination of 0.3 wt % of c‐MWCNT and 3 wt % of sN‐LDH was optimized as additives to assist in the full expression of the filler traits in the nanocomposite and to obtain a versatile nanocomposite with properties specific to both the fillers. This approach slightly decreases the dispersion challenge faced with handling high loadings of CNT and also the intrinsic limitations specific to the individual fillers (i.e., inertness of CNTs and low conductivity of LDHs). Moreover, the anion/anionic repulsion of organically modified CNT/LDH facilitates effective dispersion of the additive opposing adhesion. FTIR and Raman spectroscopy provided evidence for incorporation and proper dispersion of the additives in the polymer matrix, with XRD and TEM confirming a well‐dispersed morphology of the nanocomposites. In this work, focus is made on the improvement of thermal stability, flame retardancy, melt rheology, hardness, electrical conductivity, and water vapor permeability of PS/0.3 wt % c‐MWCNT/3 wt % sN‐LDH nanocomposites over PS/0.3 wt % c‐MWCNT, making use of the synergistic effect of c‐MWCNT coupled with sN‐LDH on polystyrene. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46513.     

Study on the structure and properties of cyanate ester/bentonite nanocomposites

Cyanate ester (CE)/bentonite (BT) nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending of CE with NH₄⁺‐BT. The nanostructure of CE/BT nanocomposites was studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It was found that partially intercalated and partially exfoliated structures coexisted in CE/BT nanocomposites containing 2.5 wt % BT with respect to that of bulk CE. Below 2.5 wt % BT content, a totally exfoliated and disordered structure was formed in the nanocomposites. The exfoliated BT enhanced the toughness of CE/BT nanocomposites. The impact strength showed a maximum of 7.1kJ/m² at 1 wt % BT, compared to 3.8kJ/m² of pure CE. Furthermore, results of thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) suggest that CE/BT nanocomposites have higher thermal stability. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 632–637, 2005     

Synthesis and characterization of ethylene vinyl acetate/Mg–Al layered double hydroxide nanocomposites

Mg–Al layered double hydroxide (LDH)/Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA‐28) nanocomposites were prepared through solution intercalation method using organically modified layered double hydroxide (DS‐LDH). DS‐LDH was made by the intercalation of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) ion. The structure of DS‐LDH and its nanocomposites with EVA‐28 was determined by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) analysis. XRD analysis shows that the original peak of DS‐LDH shifted to lower 2θ range and supports the formation of intercalated nanocomposites while, TEM micrograph shows the presence of partially exfoliated LDH nanolayers in addition to orderly stacked LDH crystallites in the polymer matrix. The presence of LDH in the nanocomposites has been confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. The mechanical properties show significant improvement for the nanocomposite with respect to neat EVA‐28. Thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis shows that thermal stability of the nanocomposites is higher than that of EVA‐28. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 1845–1851, 2007     

Morphology and thermal stabilization mechanism of LLDPE/MMT and LLDPE/LDH nanocomposites

The morphology and thermal stabilization mechanism of polymeric nanocomposites prepared by solution intercalation of linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE) with montmorillonite (MMT), MgAl layered double hydroxide (LDH), and ZnAl LDH have been studied by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), dynamic Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Both LLDPE/MMT and LLDPE/MgAl LDH nanocomposites exhibit mixed intercalated-exfoliated structures, whereas the LLDPE/ZnAl LDH nanocomposites exhibit completely exfoliated structures because the ZnAl LDH layers can be easily broken during the refluxing process. All nanocomposites show significantly enhanced thermal stability compared with virgin LLDPE due to the increases of the effective activation energy (E_α) during degradation process. However, LDHs nanocomposites show much higher thermal degradation temperatures than MMT nanocomposites with the same filler content because they have much higher E_α than MMT nanocomposites at the early degradation stage. The data of real time FTIR spectroscopy and morphological evolution reveal a catalytic dehydrogenation effect presents in MMT nanocomposites, which may decrease the E_α of degradation and thermal stability of MMT nanocomposites.     

Novel polylactide/vermiculite nanocomposites by in situ intercalative polymerization. I. Preparation,characterization, and properties

Polylactide (PLA)/vermiculite nanocomposites were prepared by in situ intercalative polymerization of L,L ‐lactide (LLA) in the presence of organomodified vermiculite (VMT). The d‐spacings of both the organomodified VMT and the exfoliated nanocomposites were investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and the morphology of exfoliated nanocomposites was examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) indicated that there is some enhancement in degradation behavior between the nanocomposites and the PLA matrix. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) confirmed the constraint effect of exfoliated VMT layers on PLA chains, which is beneficial to the increased storage and loss modulus and increased glass transition temperature. The tensile strength showed that the exfoliated nanocomposites are reinforced and toughened by the addition of nanometer‐size vermiculite layers. POLYM. COMPOS., 28:545–550, 2007. © 2007 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Bio‐based polymer nanocomposites based on layered silicates having a reactive and renewable intercalant

Soybean oil‐based polymer nanocomposites were synthesized from acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO) combined with styrene monomer and montmorillonite (MMT) clay by using in situ free radical polymerization reaction. Special attention was paid to the modification of MMT clay, which was carried out by methacryl‐functionalized and quaternized derivative of methyl oleate intercalant. It was synthesized from olive oil triglyceride, as a renewable intercalant. The resultant nanocomposites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The effect of increased nanofiller loading in thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The nanocomposites exhibited improved thermal and dynamic mechanical properties compared with neat acrylated epoxidized soybean oil based polymer matrix. The desired exfoliated nanocomposite structure was achieved when the OrgMMT loading was 1 and 2 wt % whereas partially exfoliated nanocomposite was obtained in 3 wt % loading. It was found that about 400 and 500% increments in storage modulus at glass transition and rubbery regions, respectively were achieved at 2 wt % clay loading compared to neat polymer matrix while the lowest thermal degradation rate was gained by introducing 3 wt % clay loading. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 2031–2041, 2013