Synthesis of polybutadiene nanocomposites: In situ polymerization of 1,3-butadiene catalyzed by phyllosilicate interlayer spacing-confined cobalt(II) phosphine complexes

Heterogeneous phyllosilicate interlayer spacing-confined cobalt catalysts were prepared by reaction of cobalt phosphine complexes with methylaluminoxane-modified clay. The catalytic systems obtained were used for the in situ polymerization of 1,3-butadiene. The polymerization taking place within the silicate galleries separates the pristine layer aggregates, allowing for the design of polybutadiene-based nanocomposites through the intercalation of the active polymerization centers. Depending on the type of cobalt complex used (i.e., type of phosphine bond to the metal) it is possible to control the microstructure (1,2 content) and the tacticity (percentage of rr, mr andmmtriads) of the polymer growing directly in between the inorganic silicate host lamellae.