Green Nanocomposites from Rosin-Limonene Copolymer and Algerian Clay

Green nanocomposites from rosin-limonene (Ros-Lim) copolymers based on Algerian organophilic-clay named Maghnite-CTA⁺ (Mag-CTA⁺) were prepared by in-situ polymerization using different amounts (1, 5 and 10% by weight) of Mag-CTA⁺ and azobisisobutyronitrile as a catalyst. The Mag-CTA⁺ is an organophilic montmorillonite silicate clay prepared through a direct exchange process; the clay was modified by ultrasonic-assisted method using cetyltrimethylammonuim bromide in which it used as green nano-filler.The preparation method of nanocomposites was studied in order to determine and improve structural, morphological, mechanical and thermal properties ofsin.The structure and morphology of the obtained nanocomposites(Ros-Lim/Mag-CTA⁺) were determined using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electronic microscopy and transmission electronic microscopy. The analyses confirmed the chemical modification of clay layers and the intercalation of rosin-limonene copolymer within the organophilic-clay sheets. An exfoliated structure was obtained for the lower amount of clay (1% wt of Mag-CTA⁺), while intercalated structures were detected for high amounts of clay (5 and 10% wt of Mag-CTA⁺). The thermal properties of the nanocomposites were studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and show a significant improvement inthe thermal stability of the obtained nanocomposites compared to the purerosin-limonene copolymer (a degradation temperature up to 280 °C).