Preparation and properties of poly(2,3-dimethylaniline)/organic–kaolinite nanocomposites via in situ intercalative polymerization

Abstract Poly(2,3-dimethylaniline)/kaolinite nanocomposites (P(2,3-DMA)/K2) were prepared by in situ intercalative polymerization in the presence of organically modified kaolinite, based on the intercalation modification of crude kaolinite with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) and methanol system. Intercalation extent of kaolinite, Structure, Morphology and Thermal stability of the nanocomposites were characterized by XRD, FTIR, SEM and TGA–DTA, respectively. The electrochemical behavior of the as-prepared nanocomposites was evaluated by open circuit potential (OCP), tafel polarization curves (TAF) and impedance spectroscopy (EIS) in 3.5 wt% NaCl aqueous solution. Experimental results indicated that the clay layers of kaolinite in P(2,3-DMA)/K2 were well intercalated and exfoliated, and the P(2,3-DMA)/K2 had a more higher thermal stability and anticorrosion properties relative to the bulk poly(2,3-dimethylaniline) (P(2,3-DMA)) and the P(2,3-DMA)/crude kaolinite composites (P(2,3-DMA)/K0).