Clay Nanocomposites
In clay nanocomposites, clay nanoparticles are dispersed in a continuous polymer matrix. (RDC 7/23/2009)
"Experimentally, it is very common in polymer/clay nanocomposites to have a mixed nano-morphology, with both intercalated and exfoliated structures existing in the system. Intercalated structures are self-assembled, well-ordered multilayered structures where the extended polymer chains are inserted into the gallery space between parallel individual silicate layers separated by 2-3 nm. Conversely, the exfoliated structure results when the individual silicate layers are no longer close enough to interact with each other. In the exfoliated cases, the interlayer distances can be on the order of the radius of gyration of the polymer; therefore, the silicate layers may be considered to be well-dispersed in the organic polymer. The silicate layers in an exfoliated structure are typically not as well-ordered as those in an intercalated structure, although in many cases the exfoliated structures still bear signatures of the silicates' previous parallel registry." (Chung, Manias and Wang, US Patent 7,241.829; 7/10/2007)
Clay
Composites
Exfoliated Clay /Nanoclay
Materials
Nanocomposites
Recent US Patents
11/1/2011
8,048,947
Nanocomposites and methods for making the same
Gong et al of ExxonMobil, Texas, produced a nanocomposite of a star branched elastomer and a clay. The nanocomposite can be a mixture of a halogenated star branched elastomer and a clay, desirably an exfoliated clay, suitable for use as an air barrier. The halogenated star-branched elastomer can be the primary halogenated elastomer in the blend, and a ratio of the star-branched elastomer to clay can be from 2:1 to 500:1.(RDC 11/4/2011)
11/2/2010
7,825,181
Modified layered fillers and their use to produce nanocomposite compositions
Gong et al of ExxonMobil, Texas have developed a modified layered filler consisting of a layered filler and modifying agent of a carbon chain, C25 to C500 ,with an ammonium group. (RDC 3/2/2011)
Recent Journal Articles
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