A post-polymerization method for hexagonal Boron Nitride (h-BN) has been developed to produce functionalized h-BN nanosheetes. Thus, h-BN nanosheets was functionalized with di-tert-butyl peroxide to yield active sites for modification of the h-BN nanosheets by direct graft polymerization. Then, polymer/h-BN hybrid nanosheets were prepared by redox polymerization of acrylamide (HBN-g-PAM), initiated onto the surfaces of hydroxyl functionalized nanosheets. Synthesis and modification of h-BN nanosheets were characterized by fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). FTIR and TGA results indicated that polyacrylamide was successfully grafted onto the h-BN nanosheets. The grafting efficiency of PAM polymer onto the h-BN nanosheets was estimated from TGA thermograms to be 19%. The post-polymerization can create a flexible grafting layer that provides strong interfacial interaction with the polymer matrix. It is expected that post-polymerization provides good compatibility and a good dispersion of h-BN nanosheets in polymer matrix and enhances superior performance nanocomposite.
