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May 25, 2026Materials Today Chemistry0 citationsOpen Access

In-situ polymerisation for tailoring cellular morphology in polystyrene/sepiolite nanocomposites

MFM. Isabel Muñoz de Frutos PPPablo A. Romero Proaño LAL.E. Alonso-Pastor

Key Points

The aim is to optimize cellular morphology in polystyrene-sepiolite nanocomposites for better foam performance.
Used in situ suspension polymerisation to create PS-sepiolite precursors.
Functionalized VTES at pH 1 to enhance dispersion and melt reinforcement.
Evaluated CO2 foaming properties of the created nanocomposites.
Achieved cell sizes of 0.6–1.7 μm with approximately 10^13 cm−3 nuclei and nearly 100% open-cell content.
Specific modulus was over 7 times greater than neat polystyrene at reduced density.
Obtained morphology was finer compared to traditional melt mixing.

Abstract

• In situ suspension polymerisation tailors PS–sepiolite precursors for foaming. • VTES functionalisation at pH 1 optimises dispersion, interface, and melt reinforcement. • Percolated networks deliver a melt window suitable for efficient CO 2 foaming. • CO 2 foams show 0.6–1.7 μm cells, ∼10 13 cm −3 nuclei, and ∼100% open-cell content. • Specific modulus >7× neat PS at reduced density; morphology finer than melt-mixed.

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