Polystyrene/clay nanocomposites by atom transfer radical nitroxide coupling chemistry

An efficient protocol, atom transfer radical nitroxide coupling chemistry, for the preparation of polymer/clay nanocomposites via grafting-onto strategy with well-defined polymer, which were synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization, has been described. The radical coupling, taking place between the clay layers, not only leads to attached polymer chains but also to successful nanocomposite formation with highly exfoliated morphology.