Polystyrene grafted carbon black synthesis via in situ solution radical polymerization in ionic liquid

Abstract

DENKA BLACK/polystyrene nanocomposites (DB/PS) were successfully prepared through a facile strategy. Some of the styrene molecules were grafted and polymerized onto the surface of the DB via the in situ free radical addition process in ionic liquid, and others self-polymerized and coated on the polystyrene grafted DB. The ionic liquid improves the grafting percentage because of its high viscosity. The electrical properties of polymer composites before and after the grafting were measured. It was found that the electrical conductivity of the DB/PS composites decreased with increasing amounts of monomer styrene and initiator 2, 2′-azobis (isobutyronitrile) (AIBN). The microstructure, morphology and thermal properties of the composites were characterized by Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Raman spectroscopy. The results proved that the polystyrene had been successfully grafted onto the DB surface. © 2013 The Author(s).