Preparation and properties of aramid/layered silicate nanocomposites by solution intercalation technique

Polymer—clay nanocomposites were synthesized from aromatic polyamide and organoclay using the solution intercalation technique. Polyamide chains were produced through the reaction of 4,4′‐oxydianiline (ODA) and isophthaloyl chloride (IPC) in N, N′‐dimethyl acetamide, using stoichiometry yielding chains with carbonyl chloride end groups. The intercalation of sodium montmorillonite (Na‐MMT) was carried out using p‐phenylene diamine as a swelling agent through an ion exchange reaction. Different concentrations of organoclay were blended with the polyamide solution for complete dispersion of clay throughout the matrix. The resulting composite films were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), mechanical testing, thermogravimetry (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and water absorption measurements. The XRD pattern and morphology of the nanocomposites revealed the formation of exfoliated and intercalated clay platelets in the matrix. The film containing a small amount of clay was semitransparent and had a tensile strength of the order of 70 MPa (relative to the 52 MPa of the pure aramid). Thermal decomposition temperatures were in the range of 300–450°C and the weight of the samples remaining after heating to 900°C was found to be roughly proportional to the clay loading. DSC showed a systematic increase in the glass transition temperature with increase in clay content. Water absorption of the pristine aramid film was rather high (5.7%), which reduced upon loading of organoclay. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Nanocomposites of poly(ethylene terephthalate‐co‐ethylene naphthalate) with organoclay

Poly(ethylene terephthalate‐co‐ethylene naphthalate) (PETN)/organoclay was synthesized with the solution intercalation method. Hexadecylamine was used as an organophilic alkylamine in organoclay. Our aim was to clarify the intercalation of PETN chains to hexadecylamine–montmorillonite (C₁₆–MMT) and to improve both the thermal stability and tensile property. We found that the addition of only a small amount of organoclay was enough to improve the thermal stabilities and mechanical properties of PETN/C₁₆–MMT hybrid films. Maximum enhancement in both the ultimate tensile strength and initial modulus for the hybrids was observed in blends containing 4 wt % C₁₆–MMT. Below a 4 wt % clay loading, the clay particles could be highly dispersed in the polymer matrix without a large agglomeration of particles. However, an agglomerated structure did form in the polymer matrix at a 6 wt % clay content. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 39: 2581–2588, 2001     

Crystallization behavior and thermal stability of poly(trimethylene terephthalate)/clay nanocomposites

Poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites were prepared by the solution intercalation method. Two different kinds of clay were organomodified with an intercalation agent of cetyltrimetylammonium chloride (CMC). X‐ray diffraction (XRD) indicated that the layers of MMT were intercalated by CMC, and interlayer spacing was a function of the cationic exchange capacity of clay. The XRD studies demonstrated that the interlayer spacing of organoclay in the nanocomposites depends on the amount of organoclay. From the results of differential scanning calorimetric analysis, it was found that clay behaves as a nucleating agent and enhances the crystallization rate of PTT. The maximum enhancement of the crystallization rate for the nanocomposites was observed in nanocomposites containing about 1 wt % organoclay with a range of 1–15 wt %. From thermogravimetric analysis, we found that the thermal stability of the nanocomposites was enhanced by the addition of 1–10 wt % organoclay. According to transmission electron microscopy, the organoclay particle was highly dispersed in the PTT matrix without a large agglomeration of particles for a low organoclay content (5 wt %). However, an agglomerated structure did form in the PTT matrix at a 15 wt % organoclay content. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 41: 2902–2910, 2003     

The role of organoclay on the properties of Polymethylsilsesquioxane: A systematic study

In this study, an attempt is made to improve the properties of PMSQ, an organosilicone polymer which possesses distinguished properties, through an easy and facile route by the inclusion of organically modified montmorillonite clay. PMSQ-clay composites were prepared by solution blending of the components initially and then heat curing under load. The effect of clay content, varied at 5–40 wt.%, on mechanical, thermal and dynamic mechanical properties was evaluated and the optimum was obtained for 20%. Morphology investigation as well as microstructure analysis revealed intercalated to exfoliated morphology of PMSQ-clay composite. An appreciable improvement in mechanical properties of PMSQ, compressive strength and impact strength in particular, was achieved by clay inclusion up to 20%. The properties declined at ≥ 30% clay loading. The composites showed increased thermal stability compared to unmodified PMSQ up to 400 °C. Also, increase in clay content accelerated conversion to ceramic SiOC. PMSQ-clay composites exhibited good visco-elastic characteristics with higher T_g probably due to enhanced polymer-clay interactions. Thus, a simple and viable method to enhance the mechanical and thermal characteristics of PMSQ by way of preparing its composite with the reinforcing filler organoclay is demonstrated here.     

Thermo-infrared-spectroscopy analysis of the interaction of naphthylammonium–montmorillonite with sodium nitrite

The deep blue organoclay color pigment (OCCP), naphthylazonaphthylammonium–montmorillonite, was synthesized in an aqueous suspension by treating montmorillonite with naphthylammonium chloride followed after 2 h by NaNO₂. The reddish-brown azo dye naphthylazonaphthylamine (commercial name “Solvent Brown 3”) was synthesized in an aqueous solution in the absence of clay from the same reagents. X-ray diffraction and thermo-infrared (IR) spectroscopy of organoclay prepared by treating montmorillonite with naphthylammonium chloride showed that the organoclay contained two types of tactoids with intercalated naphthylammonium cations and with naphthylammonium–naphthylamine associations. Naphthylammonium clay was obtained after thoroughly washing the latter organoclay. IR spectra of naphthylamine, naphthylammonium chloride, naphthylammonium clay, naphthylammonium–naphthylamine clay (with some naphthylammonium-clay), OCCP, and Solvent Brown 3 in KBr disks were recorded before and after thermal treatments up to 120 °C. IR spectrum of the OCCP was similar to that of Solvent Brown 3. An NH₃ ⁺ group was identified in the spectrum of the OCCP but not in that of Solvent Brown 3. In the latter spectrum, an NH₂ group was identified, suggesting that the amine group of the azo dye in the OCCP was protonated. It appears that the difference in color between OCCP and Solvent Brown 3 resulted from the protonation of the azo molecule in the interlayer space of the clay.     

Synthesis of polylactide/clay nanocomposites by in situ intercalative polymerization in supercritical carbon dioxide

Polylactide (PLA)/clay nanocomposites have been prepared by in situ ring-opening polymerization in supercritical carbon dioxide. Depending on the type of organoclay used, polylactide chains can be grafted onto the clay surface, leading to an exfoliated morphology. Nanocomposites with high clay contents (30-50 wt.%), called masterbatches, have also been successfully prepared and were recovered as fine powders thanks to the unique properties of the supercritical fluid. Dilution of these masterbatches into commercial l-polylactide by melt blending has led to essentially exfoliated nanocomposites containing 3 wt.% of clay. The mechanical properties of these materials have been assessed by flexion and impact tests. Significant improvements of stiffness and toughness have been observed for the PLA/clay nanocomposites compared to the pure matrix, together with improved impact resistance.     

Preparation of a poly(methyl methacrylate)-reduced graphene oxide composite with enhanced properties by a solution blending method

Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/graphene nanocomposites were prepared by a simple solution blending method. The glass transition temperature of the produced PMMA/graphene composite was increased by 37 °C with 1.0 wt.% RGO content, which is approximately 40% of improvement compared to that of pure PMMA. The thermal expansion coefficient (TEC) decreased by 68% with as low as 0.1 wt.% RGO loading. The electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites reached up to 0.037 S/m even with only 2.0 wt.% RGO, which increased by more than twelve orders of magnitude. The resulting nanocomposites showed that a stable colloidal suspension of graphene dispersion in organic solvent before blending with PMMA is necessary to fabricate the nanocomposites with enhanced properties.     

Effect of surface modification of montmorillonite on the properties of aromatic polyamide/clay nanocomposites

The surface modification of montmorillonite clay was carried out through ion‐ exchange reaction using p‐phenylenediamine as a modifier. This modified clay was employed to prepare aromatic polyamide/organoclay nanocomposite materials. The dispersion behavior of clay was examined in the polyamide matrix. Polyamide chains were synthesized from 4‐aminophenyl sulfone and isophthaloyl chloride (IPC) in dimethylacetamide. These amide chains were suitably end‐capped with carbonyl chloride end groups to interact chemically with modified montmorillonite clay. The resulting nanocomposite films containing 2–20 wt% of organoclay were characterized by TEM, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), thin‐film tensile testing; thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetric (DSC) and water absorption measurements. Mechanical testing revealed that modulus and strength improved up to 6 wt% organoclay loading while elongation and toughness of nanocomposites decreased with the addition of clay content in the matrix. Thermal decomposition temperatures of the nanocomposites were in the range 225–450 °C. These nanocomposites expressed increase in the glass‐transition temperature values relative to pure polyamide describing interfacial interactions among the phases. The percent water uptake of these composites reduced upon the addition of modified layered silicate depicting improved barrier properties. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Investigating the structure–property relationship of aromatic–aliphatic polyamide/layered silicate hybrid films

Surface treated montmorillonite was used to prepare nanocomposites with aromatic–aliphatic polyamide by solution intercalation technique. The polyamide chains were produced through polycondensation of 4-aminophenyl sulfone with sebacoyl chloride in dimethyl acetamide. Compatibility between the polymer and organoclay was achieved through carbonyl chloride end-capped amide chains prepared by adding extra sebacoyl chloride near the end of polymerization reaction. The nanocomposites morphology and clay dispersion were investigated by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Delaminated and intercalated morphologies were observed for different loading of organoclay. Tensile strength and modulus improved for nanocomposites with optimum organoclay content (10-wt.%). Thermal stability and glass transition temperature of nanocomposites increased relative to pristine polyamide with augmenting organoclay content. Water uptake of these materials decreased as compared to the neat polyamide indicating reduced permeability.     

The adsorption of salicylic acid onto γ-alumina and kaolinite from solution in hexane studied using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFT)

It was possible to determine the maximum loading of salicylic acid adsorbed onto γ-alumina and kaolinite clay after exposure to salicylic acid dissolved in hexane by examination using diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS). The maximum surface loading of salicylic acid (which resisted washing with fresh hexane) on γ-alumina was four times that observed using water as a solvent (approximately 3.0 compared with 0.7 molecules/nm²). Washing the sample with water removed the organic which was in excess to the maximum level observed for samples prepared with aqueous solution. The spectra of samples prepared with a loading up to the maximum observed with aqueous solution showed no significant differences to those of samples where the organic had been adsorbed from hexane (with the same surface loading). New peaks were observed for loadings greater than 1 molecules/nm², but the salicylic acid was still present as carboxylate (with no clear evidence for the carbonyl group). Salicylic acid adsorbed more readily to the surface of kaolinite from solution in hexane than from aqueous solution (up to maximum average loading of 2 molecules/nm²). Washing the samples with water removed the organic to a loading in the region of 0.2 molecules/nm², independent of the initial loading. Salicylic acid was adsorbed onto kaolinite as the carboxylate. The findings indicate that uptake is mediated by a surface water layer even in the absence of bulk water.     

Chiral poly(amide-imide)/organoclay nanocomposites derived from pyromellitoyl-bis-l-isoleucine and benzimidazole containing diamine: synthesis, nanostructure, and properties

In this study, a series of polymer–clay nanocomposite materials, consisting of organosoluble poly(amide-imide) (PAI) matrix and dispersed nanolayers of inorganic montmorillonite clay, were successfully prepared by solution dispersion technique. At first, the reactive organoclay was prepared by using protonated l-isoleucine amino acid as a swelling agent for silicate layers of Cloisite Na⁺. Then, organosoluble PAI containing isoleucine amino acid was synthesized through step-growth polymerization reaction of N,N′-(pyromellitoyl)-bis-isoleucine diacid and 2-(3,5-diaminophenyl)-benzimidazole under green condition using molten tetrabutylammonium bromide. This polymer was end-capped with amine end groups near the completion of the reaction to interact chemically with acidic group of organoclay. Finally, PAI/organoclay nanocomposite films containing 2%, 5%, 10%, and 15% of organoclay were prepared via solution intercalation method through blending of organoclay with the PAI solution. Dispersion of the modified clay in the PAI matrix resulted in a nanostructured material containing intercalated polymer between the silicate layers. Structures of exfoliation were confirmed by X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Thermogravimetric analysis data indicated that the addition of organoclay into the PAI matrix increased the thermal decomposition temperatures of the obtained nanocomposites compared to the pure PAI.     

Structure and properties of natural rubber/butadiene rubber (NR/BR) blend/sodium-montmorillonite nanocomposites prepared via a combined latex/melt intercalation method

75/25 (wt %) NR/BR blend/clay nanocomposites were prepared via a combined latex/melt intercalation method, for the first time. At first, NR latex was mixed with various amounts of the aqueous sodium montmorillomte (Na-MMT) dispersion. Obtained mixtures were co-coagulated by dilute solution of the sulfuric acid, washed several times with the distilled water and dried under vacuum. The NR/ clay compounds were then mixed with given amounts of the BR and vulcanizing ingredients in a 6-inch two-roll mill and then vulcanized at 150°C in a hot press. The nanocomposites have better mechanical properties than the clay-free NR/BR blend vulcanizates. Furthermore, modulus and hardness (Shore A) increased by increase of the clay loading in the range of 0–15 phr while tensile strength and elongation at break increased with increasing the clay content up to 5 phr and then decreased gradually by further increase of the clay loading. It was concluded from results of the XRD and mechanical test that nanocomposites containing less than 10 phr clay may show the fully exfoliated structure. With increasing the clay content to 10 and 15 phr, both non-exfoliated (stacked layers) and exfoliated structures may be observed simultaneously in the nanocomposites. TGA results indicated an improvement in main and end decomposition by increasing the clay loading.     

Incorporation of clay nano-particles in aqueous foams

During the process of crude oil/gasoline loading and storage, significant amounts of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can be emitted to the environment. Stable aqueous foams can be spread as a flexible blanket on the top of the oil to control the VOC emission by providing a mass transfer barrier during the loading process. In this work, novel aqueous foams have been formulated by incorporating clay nano-particles in an aqueous solution of surfactants and polymers. The stability and mass transfer resistance of these foams were investigated at temperatures up to 125 F. In the presence of VOC, clay decreases the rate at which the liquid is drained out of the foam lamellae and increases the foam drainage half-life. These foams were found to be very stable in the presence of gasoline and crude oil and can last much longer than one day at the room temperature. The use of clay in the foam formulation reduces vapor diffusion through the lamellae and vapor emission through the foam column significantly for the first 10 h. Increase in temperature increases the rate of foam breakage due to higher water evaporation and lower liquid viscosity. In spite of this increase, the 0.5% polymer and 0.5% clay foam suppresses vapor emission from a gasoline longer than 3600, 1500 and 1100 min at 75 F, 105 F and 125 F, respectively. This foam also suppresses vapor emission from a crude oil longer than 4200, 2000 and 700 min at 75 F, 105 F and 125 F, respectively.     

Preparation and characterization of cellulose nanocomposite films with two different organo-micas

The mechanical properties, morphologies, and gas barriers of hybrid films of cellulose with two different organoclays are compared. Dodecyltriphenyl-phosphonium-mica (C₁₂PPh-mica) and hexadecyl-mica (C₁₆-mica) were used as reinforcing fillers in the fabrication of the cellulose hybrid films. The cellulose hybrid films were synthesized from N-methyl-morpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) solutions with the two organo-micas, and solvent-cast at room temperature under vacuum, yielding 15–20 μm thick films of cellulose hybrids with various clay contents. We found that the addition of only a small amount of organoclay is sufficient to improve the mechanical properties and gas barriers of the cellulose hybrid films. Even polymers with low organoclay contents (1–7 wt %) were found to exhibit much higher strength and modulus values than pure cellulose. The addition of C₁₂PPh-mica was more effective than that of C₁₆-mica with regards to the initial tensile modulus, whereas the addition of C₁₆-mica was more effective than that of C₁₂PPh-mica with regards to the gas barrier of the cellulose matrix. The intercalations of the polymer chains in the clays were examined with wide-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) and electron microscopy (SEM and TEM).     

Influence of the compatibilizer polarity and molar mass on the morphology and the gas barrier properties of polyethylene/clay nanocomposites

In this study, different modified polyethylenes with different molar masses and different modification rates were examined as compatibilizers to prepare high density polyethylene/organoclay nanocomposites. Nanocomposites having 5 wt % organo-modified clay and 20 wt % interfacial agent were prepared by melt blending. The effect of compatibilizer molar mass and polarity was investigated on the clay dispersion and on the gas barrier properties. It was observed that the amount of large and dense fillers aggregates was considerably reduced by introduction of an interfacial agent. The nanocomposite final morphology was governed by a diffusion/shear mechanism. A high degree of clay delamination was obtained with the high molar mass compatibilizers, whereas highly swollen clay aggregates resulted from the incorporation of the low molar mass interfacial agents. In the investigated nanocomposites series, the barrier properties could not be directly related to the clay dispersion state but resulted also from the matrix/clay interfacial interactions. A gas transport mechanism based on these both parameters was proposed to explain the barrier properties evolution in these low polar nanocomposites series. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 46: 2593–2604, 2008     

Synthesis and characterization of a series of thermotropic liquid crystalline copolyester nanocomposites

A series of aromatic thermotropic liquid crystalline copolyester (TLCP) nanocomposites were prepared by the in situ intercalation polymerization of p‐acetoxybenzoic acid (ABA), terephthalic acid (TPA), and diacetoxynaphthalene (DAN) isomers in the presence of the organoclay. The DAN isomers used in this study were 2,3‐ and 2,7‐naphthylene. We examined the variation of the liquid crystallinity, morphology, and thermal properties of the nanocomposites with organoclay content in the range 0–10 wt %. All the polymer nanocomposites were fabricated with a molar ratio of ABA:TPA:DAN = 2:1:1; they were shown to consist of a nematic liquid crystalline phase for low organoclay contents (≤5 wt %), whereas the hybrids with a higher concentration of organoclay (≥10 wt %) were found not to be mesomorphic. By using transmission electron microscopy, the clay layers in the 2,3‐DAN copolyester hybrids were found to be better dispersed in the matrix polymer than those in the 2,7‐DAN copolyester hybrids. The introduction of an organoclay into the matrix polymer was found to improve the thermal properties of the 2,3‐DAN copolyester hybrids. However, the thermal properties of the 2,7‐DAN copolyester hybrids were found to be worse than those of the pure matrix polymer for all organoclay compositions tested. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 387–397, 2006     

Nanocomposites of polyurethane with various organoclays: Thermomechanical properties,morphology, and gas permeability*

The properties of polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites with three different organoclays were compared in terms of their thermal stabilities, mechanical properties, morphologies, and gas permeabilities. Hexadecylamine–montmorillonite, dodecyltrimethyl ammonium–montmorillonite, and Cloisite 25A were used as organoclays for making PU hybrid films. The properties were examined as a function of the organoclay content in a matrix polymer. Transmission electron microscopy photographs showed that most clay layers were dispersed homogeneously into the matrix polymer on the nanoscale, although some particles of clay were agglomerated. Moreover, the addition of only a small amount of organoclay was enough to improve the thermal stabilities and mechanical properties of PU hybrid films, whereas gas permeability was reduced. Even polymers with low organoclay contents (3–4 wt %) showed much higher strength and modulus values than pure PU. Gas permeability was reduced linearly with an increasing amount of organoclay in the PU matrix. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 40: 670–677, 2002; DOI 10.1002/polb.10124     

Synthesis,rheology, and morphology of nylon‐11/layered silicate nanocomposite

Exfoliated nylon‐11/layered silicate nanocomposites were prepared via in situ polymerization by dispersing organoclay in 11‐aminoundecanoic acid monomer. The original clay was modified by a novel method with 11‐aminoundecanoic acid. In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results show that stronger hydrogen bonds exist between nylon‐11 and organoclay than that of between nylon‐11 and original clay. The linear dynamic viscoelasticity of organoclay nanocomposites was investigated. Before taking rheological measurements, the exfoliated and intercalating structures and the thermal properties were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The results show that the clay was uniformly distributed in nylon‐11 matrix during in situ polymerization of clay with 4 wt % or less. The presence of clay in nylon‐11 matrix increased the crystallization temperature and the thermal stability of nanocomposites prepared. Rheological properties such as storage modulus, loss modulus, and relative viscosity have close relationship with the dispersion favorably compatible with the organically modified clay. Comparing with neat nylon‐11, the nanocomposites show much higher dynamic modulus and stronger shear thinning behavior. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 44: 2161–2172, 2006     

Properties and Characterization of Organoclay/Dimethacrylate Composites Obtained by In Situ Photopolymerization

Summary: Composites of dimethacrylates/organoclay were obtained by in situ photopolymerization of Bis-GMA (Bisphenol A glycidyl methacrylate) and TEGDMA (tetraethyleneglycol dimethacrylate) in the presence of camphorquinone and DEEMA (2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate). The composites contained up to 10% wt/wt of organoclays. Monomer conversion and polymerization kinetics were determined by real time Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy – Attenuated Total Reflectance (FTIR-ATR), and showed an increase of conversion with addition of the clay. The storage modulus E' of the composites also had a marked dependence on the composite composition and increased with addition of clay at all temperatures. T_g also increases with clay content. X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analysis shows that the clay is completely exfoliated for the composites with a lower proportion of clay, whereas for larger clay/polymer proportions peaks corresponding to the interlamellar distance of the clay are still observed. This is probably due to the fact that the amount of monomers in the initial formulation was not sufficient to delaminate the clay. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images indicate a quite homogenous copolymer, with some clay aggregates that increase in size and number for the higher filler loadings in agreement with the XRD results.     

Synthesis and physical properties of layered silicates/polyurethane nanocomposites

Samples of polyurethane nanocomposites were synthesized using diphenylmethane diisocyanate, poly(ε‐caprolactone) diol, di(ethylene glycol), and a clay functionalized by hydroxyl groups. The inorganic content in the hybrids was 2 wt %, 4 wt %, and 8 wt %. The X‐ray analysis showed that exfoliation occurred for clay content equal to 2% (w/w), whereas for higher contents, the inorganic phase rearranges in an intercalated structure. FTIR analysis suggested that the degree of hydrogen bonding in the hard segments was greatly reduced because of the amount of silicate layers and their dispersion. The dynamic‐mechanical analysis showed that the presence of clay lamellae extends very much the temperature range before the hard domain transition, causing the loss of mechanical consistency of the samples. It is less than 100 °C for the pure polymer, and increases up to 200 °C for the nanocomposites. The permeability of water vapor decreases linearly with inorganic content up to 4% of inorganic phase, and levels off at higher concentrations. The permeability behavior, at low activities, is largely dominated by the diffusion phenomenon. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part B: Polym Phys 43: 2454–2467, 2005