Preparation of Poly(ε‐caprolactone)/Clay Nanocomposites by Microwave‐Assisted In Situ Ring‐Opening Polymerization

Abstract

PCL/clay nanocomposites were prepared by microwave‐assisted in situ ROP of ε‐caprolactone in the presence of either unmodified clay (Cloisite® Na+) or clay modified by quaternary ammonium cations containing hydroxyl groups (Cloisite 30B). This PCL showed significantly improved monomer conversion and molecular weight compared with that produced by conventional heating. An intercalated structure was observed for the PCL/Cloisite Na+ nanocomposites, while a predominantly exfoliated structure was observed for the PCL/Cloisite 30B nanocomposites. Microwave irradiation proved to be an effective and efficient method for the preparation of PCL/clay nanocomposites.magnified image

Oxygen permeability through poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate)/clay nanocomposites prepared by microwave irradiation

“…The microwave heating has been mainly applied in the in situ intercalation during the polymerization. Thus, polycaprolactone/clay [4], poly(methylmethacrylate)/clay [5], and polycarbonate/montmorillonite [6] nanocomposites have been successfully prepared by microwave assisted polymerization. Some attempts have also been done in order to obtain nanocomposites using the melting intercalation induced by microwave irradiation [7].…”

Biodegradable Polymer/Clay Nanocomposites

“…Exfoliated structures were obtained especially when C30B clay was used in the presence of particular catalysers (Messersmith and Giannelis 1995;Pantoustier et al 2002;Hrobarikova et al 2004;Liao et al 2007;Tasdelen 2011;Gain et al 2005). When using other commercially available clays or in-house organo-modified clays, regardless of the catalyzer involved, intercalated nanocomposites were obtained (Pantoustier et al 2002;Lepoittevin et al 2002a, b;Liao et al 2007;Gorrasi et al 2004;Messersmith and Giannelis 1995;Hrobarikova et al 2004;Gain et al 2005).…”

Achieving improved dielectric, mechanical, and thermal properties of additive manufactured parts via filament modification using OMMT-based nanocomposite

“…The solution was prepared by mixing OMMT and ABS in a solvent by magnetic stirring. OMMT nanoparticles were stirred in acetone solvent with ABS for 1.5 h [16] to ensure uniform dispersion, and after coating, it was exposed to microwave irradiation [17,18]. The solution thus prepared contained 3 wt% of OMMT, which was coated over the ABS filament (diameter 1.75 mm).…”