MICROCOMPOSITES OF POLY(STYRENE) AND NYLON-3 BY IN-SITU POLYMERIZATION

The in-situ polymerization of acrylamide in solutions of poly(styrene) (PSt) was carried out by amionic polymerization to form Nylon 3 in PS t as micro-composites in which Nylon 3 was dispersed as fine particles . Copolymers of styrene (St) and 4-vinylpyridine (4-VPy) were used as matrix polymers in order to improve a compatibility between the in-sit u formed Nylon 3 and matrix polymer through hydrogen-bonding. These mi cro-composites showed great improvement of mechanical properties owing to reinforcement by ultra-fine particles of Nylon 3. Especially, the micro-composite derived from poly(St-co-4-VPy) showed excellent improv ements of mechanical properties owing to the hydrogen bonding interact ions between Nylon 3 and 4-VPy.