Spontaneous Formation of an Exfoliated Polystyrene−Clay Nanocomposite Using a Star-Shaped Polymer

Abstract

Mixtures of five-arm star polystyrene with an organoclay spontaneously formed exfoliated nanocomposites when annealed, validating a recent theoretical prediction by Singh and Balazs (Polym. Int. 2000, 49, 469.). An analogous linear polystyrene sample produced only an intercalated morphology under the same conditions. The nanocomposite morphologies were characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. These results suggest a general strategy for forming exfoliated nanocomposites in commodity polymers via melt compounding.

Enhanced Exfoliation of Organoclay in Partially End‐Functionalized Non‐Polar Polymer

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Fully exfoliated clay, however, is notoriously difficult to attain, particularly with non-polar polymers. Finding, understanding, and optimizing a simple and cost-effective method for preparing non-polar polymer-exfoliated-clay nanocomposites with high clay content remain significantly challenging.…”

Facile exfoliation of rectorite nanoplatelets in soy protein matrix and reinforced bionanocomposites thereof

“…10 A great number of research has proven that the stronger interfacial bonding between the lamellae and matrix, and the homogeneous distribution of exfoliated lamella benefit higher mechanical strength. 1 To realize the exfoliation/delamination of layered silicates in com-posites, many strategies were submitted, such as organo-modification 11 and surface initiated polymerization 12 of layered silicates, polar group of polymer derivation 13 and compact polymer structure bearing multi polar groups (star, 14 dendritic, 15 and branched 16 structures).…”

Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Nanocomposites involving OMMT Clay and Cyanate ester—Siloxane-modified Epoxy Resin: Thermal, Dielectric and Morphological Properties

“…Polymer-clay nanocomposites, as these materials are known, possess dramatically improved properties due to nanometre-sized dispersions of organically modified clay in the polymer matrix [8]. For example, incorporation of a few weight percent of clay in polymeric matrices brings appreciable increases in thermal and mechanical properties compared with their unmodified counterparts [9] and researchers at Toyota have demonstrated that nylon-6, following exfoliation with an inorganic filler possesses greatly improved thermal, mechanical, barrier, and even flame-retardant properties [10,11]. The general approach has since been extended to many other commercial polymers, including polyimides, polyamides, unsaturated polyesters, poly(oxyethylene), polystyrene, polystyrene maleic anhydride, amine-terminated butadiene acrylonitrile (ATBN), poly(methyl methyacrylate), polypropylene, poly(oligo(oxyethylene)) methacrylates, polyurethane and poly(butylene terephthalate) [12].…”