Preparation and characterization of poly(vinyl chloride)/layered double hydroxides nanocomposite via in situ suspension polymerization

Poly(vinyl chloride)/layered double hydroxides (PVC/LDHs) composite resins were prepared by in situ suspension polymerization of vinyl chloride monomer in the presence of LDHs intercalated with dodecyl sulfate anions (LDH‐DS), and were further processed to obtain PVC/LDH‐DS nanocomposites. It was found that the mean particle size of PVC composite resins decreased as LDH‐DS was added in the polymerization system. The 5 and 10% weight loss temperatures of PVC resins significantly increased with the increase of LDH‐DS weight fraction in the composite resins. The transmission electron microscopy images showed that LDH‐DS particles were partially intercalated and partially exfoliated, and well distributed in the PVC nanocomposites. The storage modulus below the glass transition region and the glass temperature of the PVC/LDH‐DS nanocomposites are greater than that of the pristine PVC. The mechanical properties of PVC/LDH‐DS nanocomposites indicate that LDH‐DS nanoparticles stiffen and toughen PVC. The tensile strength, Young's modulus, and Charpy notched impact strength of the PVC/LDH‐DS nanocomposites are greater than those of the pristine PVC and PVC/LDH‐DS composites prepared by the melt blending. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 1471–1477, 2006