Ion exchange reaction in preparation of clay-dispersed polystyrene nanocomposite by emulsion polymerization-coagulation technique

In the present work clay/polystyrene hybrids were prepared by emulsion poly merization, and subsequent coagulation technique. Two different coagulants, magnesium sulfate and aluminum sulfate, were used in order to compare the coagulation efficiency, and the final structure and dispersion-state were a nalyzed by X-ray diffraction method. Aluminum sulfate-water solution is mor e effective in coagulation of polystyrene emulsion than magnesium sulfate-w ater solution. Small peaks near 2 theta = 6 degrees appear in XRD diffracti on patterns of all the hybrids. It is confirmed that these small XRD peaks are ascribed with the ordering of silicate layers between which hydrated me tal complex polycations are located with layers of water molecules.