Effects of the interaction between intercalant and matrix polymer in preparation of clay-dispersed nanocomposite

Abstract

Clay-dispersed nanocomposites have been prepared by simple melt-mixing of two components, styrenic polymers with different content of functional groups and two different organophilic clays (Cloisite 25A and Cloisite(R) 30A) with a twin screw extruder. Dispersibility of 10-Angstrom-thick silicate layers of clay in the hybrid was investigated by using an X-ray diffraction method and a transmission electron microscope. It was found that if the interaction force between intercalant and matrix polymer is attractive, the matrix polymer intercalates more rapidly into the gallery of silicate layers. The faster intercalation of matrix polymer leads to the better dispersibility of silicate layers in the matrix polymer.