Activation and Characterization of Algerian Kaolinite, New and Green Catalyst for Synthesis of Polystyrene and Poly(1,3-dioxolane)

In the present work we have explored a new catalyst prepared with Algerian clay and a new method to synthesise polystyrene and poly(1,3-dioxolane). This technique consists of using Algerian modified clay (Kaolinite-H+) as a green catalyst. Kaolinite-H+ is a proton exchanged clay which is prepared through a simple exchange process. Synthesis experiments are performed in bulk. The polymerization of styrene in bulk leads to the yield of 83 % at room temperature with the reaction time of 3 h. Molecular weight of the obtained polystyrene is calculated by 1H NMR and is about 2196 g/mol. Polymerization of (1,3-dioxolane) is carried out at room temperature with the reaction time of 3 h and polymerization yield of 91 %. The calculated molecular weight of the obtained poly(1,3-dioxolane) is about 573 g/mol. The structure of the obtained polymers is confirmed by FT-IR and 1H NMR. The modified clay (Kaolinite-H+) is characterized by FT-IR, XRD and SEM analysis.