Chain‐Scission‐Induced Intercalation as a Facile Route to Polymer Nanocomposites

Abstract

Immiscible polystyrene (PS)/clay nanocomposites undergo intercalation upon spatially tuned and atmosphere-regulated thermal-oxidative chain scission (see figure), with resultant increases in moduli and thermal stability. Shortened PS chains generated by scission predominantly locate in the clay galleries and not in the bulk where they would detrimentally affect mechanical properties.