Photodegradation study of polystyrene/montmorillonite clay nanocomposite

• Grant number: 06/00501-6
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Start date: May 01, 2006
• End date: December 31, 2007
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Materials and Metallurgical Engineering - Nonmetallic Materials
• Principal Investigator: Guilhermino José Macêdo Fechine
• Grantee: Camila Fernanda de Paula Oliveira
• Host Institution: Escola Politécnica (EP). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 05/00322-1 - Photodegradation and photostabilization of the polymeric blends and composites, AP.JP

Abstract

Polymeric nanocomposites almost are transparent and have higher mechanical properties than conventional plastics. Some nanocomposites can already be found on market, but they still not have named as “nanotechnology product”. Polymeric materials submitted to UV radiation undergo some chemical reactions, which lead to degradation. It is know that, in some application of these materials, it is not desired that they degrade very quickly; however, in other ones, a quicker photodegradation mechanism may be needed. In both situations is necessary knowledge about their photodegradation mechanism, through which one can foresee the shelf life of theese materials. The photodegradation mechanism of most polymers is well known, however, polymeric composites still have few studies concerning them. This work intends to investigate and explain the photodegradation mechanism of polystyrene / montmorillonite clay composites. The samples will be exposed for various irradiation intervals, and their properties like the mechanical, thermal and chemical ones, as well as chemical modifications, molecular weight, etc will be monitored. (AU)