Polymerisation in supported bilayers

The intercalation of the twin-tailed amphiphilic dioctadecyldimethylammoniu m (DODA) ions in smectite clay minerals provides a well-defined supported b ilayer system. Polymerisation of styrene in these robust model bilayers all ows one to focus on the effect of the constrained medium on the polymerisat ion process and the polymer. Small-angle X-ray scattering analysis and diff erential scanning calorimetry data indicated that the polymerisation of sty rene in DODA-montmorillonite leads to phase separation between polystyrene and the surfactant matrix.