Nanocomposites From Polymers and Layered Minerals

Abstract

Composites consisting of polymer matrix materials and natural or synthetic layered minerals e.g. clays were prepared by using special compatibilizing agents between these two intrinsically non-miscible components. Block or graft copolymers combining one part of the polymer that is identically and/or completely miscible with the organic polymer and another part that is compatible with the natural mineral are applied to act as compatibilizer. The interaction between the first part of the compatibilizer is preferentially an ionic interaction or an interaction via hydrogen bonds. This interaction leads to a separation of the mineral into single sheets and/or small clusters containing approximately 2 -10 sheets and a subsequent homogeneous incorporation of these clusters into the polymer matrix material.

Studies on physico‐mechanical properties and thermal characteristics of polypropylene/layered silicate nanocomposites

“…and Thermal Characteristics of Polypropylene/Layered Silicate Nanocomposites S. PARIJA 1 , S. K. NAYAK 1 *, S. K. VERMA 2 , and S. S. TRIPATHY 3 chemistry of the clay and polymer matrix at the interface (16). Nanocomposites are prepared either by in situ polymerization of monomers in the presence of nanoparticles (17Ϫ19) or by melt compounding (20,21). As the in situ method is not suitable for most non-polar polymers, like polyolefins, the melt intercalation method has become a main method for preparing polymer/clay nanocomposites (22,23).…”

PMMA/silica nanocomposite studies: Synthesis and properties

“…Unlike micronscale fillers, nanoscale fillers can offer excellent properties to a polymer matrix without decreasing mechanical properties. In recent years, several research groups have reported their own composites achieved by different strategies, including addition of a modified silicate to a polymerization reaction ( in situ method),1–3 to a solvent‐swollen polymer (solution blending),4 or to a polymer melt (melt blending) 5, 6. However, most of the work in this field has focused on clay/polymer materials, and very few contributions can be found for additives other than clay.…”

Flammability of polystyrene layered silicate (clay) nanocomposites: Carbonaceous char formation

“…This has been accomplished by the addition of an organically treated clay to a polymerization reaction (in situ method), 10À14 to a solvent-swollen polymer (solution blending), 15 or to a polymer melt (melt blending). 1,5,[16][17][18] Some of our recent work has investigated nanocomposites made with polystyrene (PS) via melt blending. The polystyrene nanocomposites were montmorillonite (MMT) clay nanocomposites, in which the sodium cations on the MMT had been replaced with organic ammonium salts.…”