10 - From polymers to clay polymer nanocomposites

Abstract

Abstract Synthesis of clay mineral polymer nanocomposites (CPN) requires a match between the properties of the clay mineral surface and those of the adsorbed polymer. Once this match is achieved, CPN can be prepared with numerous applications in industry. The structural and physicochemical properties of 2:1 clay minerals used in CPN are briefly described first. The clay minerals provide a physicochemical barrier, a backbone for the polymer, leading to increased thermal and mechanical stabilities. The different mechanisms of direct intercalation, intercalation by cation exchange, and grafting on basal and edge surfaces are reported. The presence of clay mineral layers in the polymer matrix leads to improved polymer properties such as strength and flame retardation, and other mechanical, electrical, and optical properties, and even to new properties.