Poly (vinylalcohol)-, Polystyrene/Theta Type Zirconium Phosphate Nanocomposite Membranes

Novel nanosized theta-type zirconium phosphate, θ-Zr(HPO4)2.1.88H2O (θ-typeZrP), was prepared and characterized. Its average size particles calculated from XRD broadening method using the Scherer's equation , found to be 60 nm . Transparent flexible thin films of poly(vinylalcohol) (PVA)-, polystyrene(PS) / theta-type zirconium phosphate nanocomposite membranes were obtained from mixing PVA-, PS solutions with different weight percentages of θ-typeZrP equal to (5,10,15,20% in wt), respectively. The resultant nanocomposite membranes were characterized by XRD and TGA,. The inorganic filler, θ-typeZrP, was well dispersed in the organic polymers matrix , show good thermal and mechanical properties better than that of the original polymers. These nanocomposites are promising for utilizations in fuel cells and as sorbents.