Abstract: Nanocomposites of poly(vinyl acetate)/organophilic montmorillonite (PVAc/OMMT) were prepared via emulsion polymerization. The structure and morphology of the nanocomposites were characterized using X-ray diffraction(XRD)，transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and FT-IR spectrum. The thermal stability of the nanocomposites was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis and DSC. Intercalated structures were found in the nanocomposites. Based on neat PVAc, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the nanocomposite was increased, the thermal stability and mechanical properties were also enhanced. The initial decomposition temperature of the nanocomposites increased with increasing contents of OMMT. The tensile strength of the nanocomposites were first increased and then decreased with increasing contents of OMMT. When the content of OMMT was 10 wt %, the maximum value of 7.87 MPa was obtained.

Key words: vinyl acetate, organophilic montmorillonite, intercalation, in situ emulsion polymerization, nanocomposite