Synthesis and Structure-Property Characteristics of Clay-Polymer Nanocomposites

Many low-cost clay minerals such as kaolinite, talc, mica, etc. have been used as inorganic fillers for conventional composites to enhance specified desired properties such as modulus, strength, dimensional stability, wear resistance, etc. Such properties can be tailored by changing the volume fraction, shape, and size of the filler particles as well as the bulk properties of the polymer matrix. The clays are commonly modified with intercalation agents to render their surfaces more organophilic. Several kinds of molecular compounds with varied polarity have been selected to swell the clay layers. Delamination of clay platelets is of fundamental importance in designing materials with desired properties. Synthesis of clay-polymer nanocomposites is of interest from the viewpoints of both basic research and practical applications. Polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites present a unique combination of reduced flammability, enhanced thermal stability, and improved mechanical properties. The chapter concludes that the understanding of correlation between structures, physical and mechanical properties is crucial for the synthetic design and control of environmentally friendly clay-polymer nanocomposites. © 2006 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.