Synthesis and Characterization of Polystyrene-Graphite Nanocomposites via Surface Raft-Mediated Polymerization

Abstract

The synthesis of polystyrene/GO (PS-GO) nanocomposites using the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) mediated polymerization method is described. The GO was synthesized and immobilized with a RAFT agent to afford RAFT-functionalized GO nanosheets. The RAFT-immobilized GO was used for the synthesis of PS nanocomposites in a controlled manner using miniemulsion polymerization. The moelcular weight and dispersity of the PS in the nanocomposites depended on the amount of RAFT-grafted GO in the system, in accordance with the features of the RAFT-mediated polymerization. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analyses revealed that the nanocomposites had exfoliated morphology, even at relatively high GO content. The thermal stability and mechanical properties of the PS-GO nanocomposites were better than those of the neat PS polymer. Furthermore, the mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were dependent on the RAFT grafted GO content.