Abstract
The use of clay mineral in modifying the properties of polymeric material is improved in application. The current interest in modifying the polymeric materials, particularly polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and nylon using clay mineral for improved flame retardancy, thermal stability, peak heat release rate, fracture, and strength properties generated significant research literature. This paper aims to review some of the important recent modification achieved in the performance of polymeric materials using organoclay mineral. Degradation of clay mineral-polymer (nm) composite is discussed with appropriate known examples. Clay mineral (nm) loading of 5 wt.% to 7 wt.% that was significantly smaller than the percent loading of conventional fillers in polymeric materials introduced significant improvement in terms of thermal and physical stability. An attempt is made to emphasize flammability and thermal stability and to indicate the areas that are relatively little explored in modification of fiber-forming polymers to enhance further research interest.
Highlights
The study of clay mineral application for improved desired effects in the performance of polymeric materials is an important subject that received significant research interest
This review describes how the production of clay mineralpolymer composite was achievable for selected desired effects in polymeric material
An important aspect of this study is to discuss the advancement in fibers and fiber-forming polymers through the utilization of clay mineral
Summary
The study of clay mineral application for improved desired effects in the performance of polymeric materials is an important subject that received significant research interest. Several effects are possible where clay minerals may be useful in improving the polymer performance for commercially acceptable products. This review describes how the production of clay mineralpolymer (nm) composite was achievable for selected desired effects in polymeric material. Since montmorillonite (Mt) clay type has received a relatively increased interest in modifying the polymeric properties, its applications are discussed in particular. An important aspect of this study is to discuss the advancement in fibers and fiber-forming polymers through the utilization of clay mineral. Mt-polymer composite structure for nylon, polypropylene, polyethylene, poly(methyl methacrylate), and polycarbonate are discussed for the improved desired effects including flame retardancy, peak heat release rate, thermal degradation (molecular degradation with increasing temperature, mode of heat distribution, and transmission), char formation, and smoke release
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