Maghnite: novel inorganic reinforcement for single-step synthesis of PDMS nanocomposites with improved thermal, mechanical and textural properties

A simple and efficient strategy was discussed for the synthesis of polydimethylsiloxane nanocomposites, based on the in situ sonochemical polymerization of hexamethylcyclotrisiloxane between the nanosheets of Maghnite; Maghnite is a treated Algerian mineral clay that can act as a catalyst and as an inorganic reinforcement at the same time. Three types of Maghnite were prepared: raw, sodium and organophilic Maghnite. The nanocomposites synthesis was carried out on the type of Maghnite that showed the greatest interlayer spacing, by varying its content weight. The structure of obtained materials was identified by FTIR-ATR and(1)H MAS NMR spectroscopies. Moreover, the dispersion state of Maghnite particles was examined by XRD, TEM and SEM. TGA has been used to study the thermal properties. The evaluation of the mechanical properties evolution was by measuring the Young's modulus and yield strength. The nitrogen adsorption capacity was calculated at 77 K. Exfoliated composites (5% loading) have shown better enhancement results concerning morphological, thermal, mechanical properties and adsorption capacity.