Akademik Veri Yönetim Sistemi
Polymer Bulletin, cilt.83, sa.5, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)
Poly(butyl methacrylate) (PBMA)/sodium montmorillonite (Na-MMT) composites were successfully synthesized via in situ free-radical polymerization using benzoyl peroxide as an initiator to examine the influence of unmodified clay layers on the structural, thermal, and functional properties within the composites. The resulting composites were comprehensively characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis. TGA results indicated that the incorporation of Na-MMT promoted an intercalated morphology and the formation of a compact, thermally stable hybrid network. XRD and SEM analyses confirmed an increase in interlayer spacing and significant changes in surface morphology, evidencing effective monomer intercalation into the clay galleries. The addition of Na-MMT notably reduced water uptake and moisture retention efficiency, generated a tunable micro-/mesoporous structure, reflecting the strong reinforcing effect of the unmodified clay. Furthermore, the PBMA/Na-MMT composites exhibited superior antibacterial activity compared to pure PBMA, demonstrating synergistic polymer–clay interactions. Overall, this study establishes in situ organo–inorganic hybridization as an efficient strategy for developing multifunctional PBMA–clay materials with enhanced structural, thermal, and antibacterial properties, suitable for potential applications in packaging, coatings, and antimicrobial surfaces.