Polymer Layered Silicate Nanocomposites

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Source of
original article
Title
Item 1
Macromolecules
33, No.6, 21st March 2000, p.2171-83

EFFECT OF THERMAL HISTORY ON THE RHEOLOGICAL
BEHAVIOR OF THERMOPLASTIC POLYURETHANES
Pil Joong Yoon; Chang Dae Han
Akron,University
The effect of thermal history on the rheological behaviour of ester- and
ether-based commercial thermoplastic PUs (Estane 5701, 5707 and 5714
from B.F.Goodrich) was investigated. It was found that the injection
moulding temp. used for specimen preparation had a marked effect on the
variations of dynamic storage and loss moduli of specimens with time
observed during isothermal annealing. Analysis of FTIR spectra indicated
that variations in hydrogen bonding with time during isothermal annealing
very much resembled variations of dynamic storage modulus with time
during isothermal annealing. Isochronal dynamic temp. sweep experiments
indicated that the thermoplastic PUs exhibited a hysteresis effect in the
heating and cooling processes. It was concluded that the microphase
separation transition or order-disorder transition in thermoplastic PUs could
not be determined from the isochronal dynamic temp. sweep experiment.
The plots of log dynamic storage modulus versus log loss modulus varied
with temp. over the entire range of temps. (110-190C) investigated. 57 refs.
Location
GOODRICH B.F.
USA
Authors and
affiliation
Abstract
Companies or
organisations
mentioned
Accession no.771897
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Polymer/Layered Silicate
Nanocomposites
Masami Okamoto
(Toyota Technological Institute)
ISBN 1-85957-391-6
Polymer/Layered Silicate Nanocomposites
Contents
1.
Introduction .............................................................................................................................................. 3
2.
Layered Silicates ...................................................................................................................................... 3
3.
4.
5.
2.1
Structure and Properties .................................................................................................................. 3
2.2
Organophilic Modification ............................................................................................................. 5
Preparative Methods for PLS Nanocomposites .................................................................................... 5

3.1
Intercalation of Polymer or Pre-Polymer from Solution ................................................................ 6
3.2
In Situ Intercalative Polymerisation Method .................................................................................. 6
3.3
Melt Intercalation Method .............................................................................................................. 6
Structure and Characterisation of PLS Nanocomposites .................................................................... 6

4.1
Structure of PLS Nanocomposites .................................................................................................. 6
4.2
Characterisation of PLS Nanocomposites ...................................................................................... 7
Types of Polymers for the Preparation of Nanocomposites ................................................................ 7

5.1
Vinyl Polymer Systems ................................................................................................................... 7

5.1.1
5.1.2
5.1.3
5.1.4
5.2
Condensation Polymers and Rubbers ............................................................................................11

5.2.1
5.2.2
5.2.3
5.2.4
5.2.5
5.2.6
5.2.7
5.2.8
5.2.9
5.2.10
5.2.11
5.3
PP/LS Nanocomposites .................................................................................................... 22

PE/LS Nanocomposites .................................................................................................... 24
Speciality Polymers ...................................................................................................................... 24

5.4.1
5.4.2
5.5
Nylon/LS Nanocomposites .............................................................................................. 12

PCL/LS Nanocomposites ................................................................................................. 14
PET/LS Nanocomposites ................................................................................................. 14
PBT/LS Nanocomposites ................................................................................................. 14
PC/LS Nanocomposites .................................................................................................... 15
PEO/LS Nanocomposites ................................................................................................. 15
LCP/LS Nanocomposites ................................................................................................. 16
PBO/LS Nanocomposites ................................................................................................. 16
EPR/LS Nanocomposites ................................................................................................. 16
PU/LS Nanocomposites ................................................................................................... 22
Polyimide/LS Nanocomposites ........................................................................................ 22
Polyolefins .................................................................................................................................... 22
5.3.1
5.3.2
5.4
PS/LS Nanocomposites ...................................................................................................... 9

PMMA/LS Nanocomposites .............................................................................................. 9
PVA/LS Nanocomposites ................................................................................................. 10
Block Copolymer/LS Nanocomposites ............................................................................ 10
PANI/LS Nanocomposites ................................................................................................ 25

PNVC/LS Nanocomposites .............................................................................................. 25
Biodegradable Polymers ............................................................................................................... 25

5.5.1
5.5.2
PLA/LS Nanocomposites ................................................................................................. 25

PBS/Clay Nanocomposites .............................................................................................. 28
6.
Properties of PLS Nanocomposite Materials ...................................................................................... 29

6.1
Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) ........................................................................................ 29
6.2
Tensile Properties .......................................................................................................................... 32
6.3
Flexural Properties and Heat Distortion Temperature .................................................................. 33
6.4
Thermal Stability .......................................................................................................................... 36
6.5
Fire Retardant Properties .............................................................................................................. 36
6.6
Gas Barrier Properties ................................................................................................................... 37
6.7
Ionic Conductivity ........................................................................................................................ 38
6.8
Optical Transparency .................................................................................................................... 39
6.9
Biodegradability............................................................................................................................ 39
6.10 Crystallisation ............................................................................................................................... 41

6.10.1 Spherulite Growth ............................................................................................................ 41
6.10.2 Effect of Intercalation on Enhancement of Dynamic Modulus ....................................... 41
6.10.3 Crystallisation Controlled by Silicate Surfaces ............................................................... 42
7.
8.
9.
Melt Rheology ........................................................................................................................................ 42

7.1
Linear Viscoelastic Properties ...................................................................................................... 42
7.2
Elongational Flow and Strain-Induced Hardening ....................................................................... 45
Processing Operations ........................................................................................................................... 47

8.1
Foam Processing Using Supercritical CO2 ................................................................................................................................................ 47
8.2
Shear Flow Processing .................................................................................................................. 47
8.3
Electrospinning ............................................................................................................................. 47
8.4
Porous Ceramic Materials ............................................................................................................. 48
Multifunctional Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane Nanocomposites ....................................... 48
10. Carbon Nanotube Polymer Composites .............................................................................................. 49

11. Outlook ................................................................................................................................................... 49
Additional References ................................................................................................................................... 49
Abbreviations and Acronyms ....................................................................................................................... 51
Abstracts from the Polymer Library Database .......................................................................................... 53
Subject Index ............................................................................................................................................... 153
Company Index............................................................................................................................................ 163
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was thoroughly dispersed in advance (a.7, a.8). The

resulting composite with a loading of only 4.2 wt%
clay possessed a doubled modulus, a 50%-enhanced
strength, and an increase in heat distortion temperature
(HDT) of 80 C compared to the neat Nylon 6, as
shown in Table 1. Second, Vaia and co-workers (408)
found that it is possible to melt-mix polymers with
layered silicates without the use of organic solvents.
Today, efforts are being conducted globally using
almost all types of polymer matrices.
1 Introduction
Polymer/layered silicate (PLS) nanocomposites have
received a great deal of attention during the past
decade. They often exhibit attractive improvement
of material properties (393) when compared with
pure polymer or conventional composites (both
micro- and macro-composites). These improvements
can include, high moduli (a.1), increased strength
and heat resistance (a.2), decreased gas permeability
(410) and flammability (a.3) and increased
biodegradability of biodegradable polymers (a.4).
On the other hand, these materials have also been
proved unique model systems to study the structure
and dynamics of polymers in confined environments
(175, 176, 394).
This review is intended to highlight the major

developments in this area during the last decade. The
different techniques used to prepare PLS
nanocomposites, their physicochemical characterisation,
and the improved materials properties that those
materials can display; the processing and probable
applications of PLS nanocomposites will be reported
in detail.
The main reason for these improved properties is

interfacial interaction between the polymer matrix and
organically modified layered silicate (OMLS) as
opposed to conventional composites. Layered silicates
(LSs) have layer thickness in the order of 1 nm and
very high aspect ratios (e.g., 10-1000). A few weight
percent of OMLS that is properly dispersed
throughout the matrix thus creates a much higher
surface area for polymer-filler interfacial interactions
than in conventional composites (130).
2 Layered Silicates
2.1 Structure and Properties
The commonly used layered silicates for the
preparation of PLS nanocomposites belong to the same
general family of 2:1 layered- or phyllosilicates. Their
crystal structure consists of layers made up of two silica
tetrahedral layers fused to an edge-shared octahedral
sheet of either aluminium or magnesium hydroxide.
The layer thickness is around 1 nm and the lateral
dimensions of these layers may vary from 30 nm to
several microns and even larger depending on the
particular layered silicate. Stacking of the layers leads
to a regular van der Waals gap between the layers called
the interlayer or gallery. Isomorphic substitution within
the layers (for example, Al+3 replaced by Mg+2 or by
Fe+2, or Mg+2 replaced by Li+1) generates negative
Although the intercalation chemistry of polymers

when mixed with appropriately modified layered
silicate and synthetic layered silicates has been known
for a long time (a.5, a.6), the field of PLS
nanocomposites has gained large momentum recently.
Two major findings stimulated the revival of these
materials. First, Usuki, Fukushima and their
colleagues of Toyota Central Research &
Development Co. Inc. (TCRD) successfully prepared,
for the first time, exfoliated Nylon 6/LS hybrid (NCH)
via in situ polymerisation of -caprolactam, in which
alkylammonium-modified montmorillonite (MMT)
Table 1 Mechanical and thermal properties of Nylon 6/clay hybrid (NCH)

Properties
Nylon 6 Nanocomposite
Neat Nylon 6
Clay content (wt%)
4.2
Specific gravity
1.15
1.14
Tensile strength (MPa)
107
69
Tensile modulus (GPa)
2.1
1.1
Impact (kJ/m2)
2.8
2.3
HDT (C at 1.8 MPa)
147
65
charges that are counterbalanced by alkali and alkaline

earth cations situated inside the galleries. The type of
layered silicate is characterised by a moderate surface
charge (known as cation exchange capacity (CEC), and
generally expressed by mequiv/100 g). This charge is
not locally constant as it varies from layer to layer and
must rather be considered as an average value over the
whole crystal. MMT, hectorite, and saponite are the
most commonly used layered silicates. LSs have two
types of structure, i.e., tetrahedral-substituted and
octahedral substituted. In the case of tetrahedral
substituted layered silicates the negative charge is
located on the surface of the silicate layers, and hence,
the polymer matrices can react with tetrahedralsubstituted silicate more readily compared to
octahedral-substituted. Details regarding the structure

and chemistry of these layered silicates are provided
in Figure 1 and Table 2, respectively.
There are two particular characteristics of layered
silicates that we generally consider in PLS
nanocomposites. The first is the ability of the silicate
particles to disperse into the individual layers. The
second characteristic is the ability to fine-tune their
surface chemistry through ion exchange reactions with
organic and inorganic cations. These two characteristics
are, of course, interrelated since the degree of dispersion
of layered silicate in a particular polymer matrix
depends on the interlayer cation.
Figure 1
Structure of 2:1 phyllosilicates
(Adapted from (a.9), S. Shinha Ray. et al., Macromolecules, 2003, 36, 2355, with permission from the American
Chemical Society)
Table 2 Chemical formula and characteristic parameters of commonly used 2:1 phyllosilicates
Chemical formulaa
CEC (mequiv/100 g)
Particle length (nm)
Montmorillonite
Mx(Al4-xMgx)Si8O20(OH)4
110
100-150
Hectorite
Mx(Mg6-xLix)Si8O20(OH)4
120
200-300
Saponite
MxMg6(Si8-xAlx)Si8O20(OH)4
86.6
50-60
2:1 Phyllosilicates
M = monovalent cation; x = degree of isomorphous substitution (between 0.3 and 1.3).
(a)
(b)
(c)
Figure 2
Alkyl chain aggregation models: (a) short chain lengths, the molecules are effectively isolated from each other, (b)
medium lengths, quasi-discrete layers form with various degrees of inplane disorder and interdigitation between the
layers and (c) long lengths, interlayer order increases leading to a liquid-crystalline polymer environment. Open
circles represent the CH2 segments while cationic head groups are represented by filled circles.
(Reprinted from (a.3), R. A. Vaia et al., Chem. Mater., 1994, 6, 1017, with permission from the American
Chemical Society)
2.2 Organophilic Modification

Any physical mixture of a polymer and layered silicate,
however, does not form a nanocomposite. This situation
is analogous to polymer blends, and in most cases
separation into discrete phases normally takes place. In
immiscible systems, which typically correspond to the
more conventionally filled polymers, the poor physical
interaction between the organic and the inorganic
components leads to poor mechanical and thermal
properties. In contrast, the strong interactions between the
polymer and the layered silicate in PLS nanocomposites
leads to the organic and inorganic phases being dispersed
at the nanometer level. As a result nanocomposites exhibit
unique properties not shared by their micro counterparts
or conventionally filled polymers.
Pristine layered silicates usually contain hydrated Na+
or K+ ions (a.10). Obviously, in this pristine state layered
silicates are only compatible with hydrophilic polymers,
such as polyethylene oxide (PEO) (139, 175, 195, 239,
384, 417), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (223, a.11) etc. To
render layered silicates compatible with other polymer
matrices, one must convert the normally hydrophilic
silicate surface to organophilic, which makes the
intercalation of many engineering polymers possible.
Generally, this can be done by ion-exchange reactions
with cationic surfactants including primary, secondary,
tertiary, and quaternary alkyl ammonium or
alkylphosphonium cations. The role of alkylammonium
or alkylphosphonium cations in the organosilicates is to
lower the surface energy of the inorganic host and to
improve the wetting characteristics with the polymer
matrix, and results in a larger interlayer spacing. One
can evaluate that about 100 alkylammonium salt
molecules are localised near the individual silicate layers
(~8 10-15 m2) and active surface area (~800 m2/g).
Additionally, the alkylammonium or alkylphosphonium

cations could provide functional groups that can react
with the polymer matrix or in some cases initiate the
polymerisation of monomers to improve the strength of
the interface between the inorganic and the polymer
matrix (386, a.12).
Traditional structural characterisation to determine the
orientation and arrangement of the alkyl chain involved
primarily the use of wide angle X-ray diffraction
(WAXD). Depending on the packing density,
temperature and alkyl chain length, the chains were
thought to lie either parallel to the silicate layers
forming mono or bilayers, or radiate away from the
silicate layers forming mono or bimolecular
arrangements. Vaia and Giannelis (a.13) have shown
that alkyl chains can vary from liquid-like to solid-like,
with the liquid-like structure dominating as the
interlayer density or chain length decreases (Figure 2),
or as the temperature increases. They used Fourier
transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), because of the
relatively small energy differences between the trans
and gauche conformers. The idealised models
described earlier assume all trans conformations. In
addition, for the longer chain length surfactants, the
surfactants in the layered silicate can show thermal
transition akin to melting or liquid-crystalline to liquid
like transitions upon heating.
3 Preparative Methods for PLS

Nanocomposites
So far there have been many papers published devoted
to developing PLS nanocomposites with different
combinations of OMLS, employing somewhat different

technologies appropriate to each polymer and matrix
polymers such as:
epoxy resin (143, 193, 201, 255, 261, 277, 283,

313, 395),
polyurethane (PU) (118, 136, 171, 215, 225, 270,

272, 326, 356),
polyetherimide (PEI) (258, 289),
polybenzoxazine (212, 315),
polypropylene (PP) (149, 169, 180, 181, 187, 197,

198, 205, 208, 214, 227, 230, 262, 268, 271, 278,
319, 372, 374),
polystyrene (PS) (155, 160, 167, 204, 222, 235,

240, 248, 276, 300, 310, 323, 340),
polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) (170, 240, 246,

280, 286, 323, 330, 389),
poly(-caprolactone) (PCL) (124, 141, 152, 154,

398) and
liquid crystalline polymers (LCP) (148, 285).
The technologies are broadly classified into three main

categories.
3.1 Intercalation of Polymer or Pre-Polymer

from Solution
This is based on a solvent system in which polymer or
pre-polymer is soluble and the silicate layers are swellable.
The layered silicate is first swollen in a solvent, such as
water, chloroform or toluene. When the polymer and
layered silicate solutions are mixed, the polymer chains
intercalate and displace the solvent within the interlayer
of the silicate. Upon solvent removal, the intercalated
structure remains, resulting in PLS nanocomposites.
3.3 Melt Intercalation Method

This method involves annealing, statically or under
shear, a mixture of the polymer and OMLS above the
softening point of the polymer. This method has great
advantages over either in situ intercalative
polymerisation or polymer solution intercalation.
Firstly, this method is environmentally benign due to
the absence of organic solvents. Secondly, it is
compatible with current industrial processes, such as
extrusion and injection moulding. The melt
intercalation method allows the use of polymers which
were previously not suitable for in situ polymerisation
or the solution intercalation method. This solvent-free
method is much preferred for practical industrial
material production because of its high efficiency and
possibility of avoiding environmental hazards.
Other possibilities are exfoliation-adsorption (a.14),
and template synthesis (a.15).
4 Structure and Characterisation of

PLS Nanocomposites
4.1 Structure of PLS Nanocomposites
Layered silicates have layer thickness in the order of
1 nm and very high aspect ratio (e.g., 10-1000), thus
creating a much higher surface area for polymer/filler
interaction than in conventional composites. Depending
on the strength of interfacial interaction between
polymer matrix and layered silicate (modified or not),
three different types of PLS nanocomposites are
thermodynamically achievable (Figure 3) (a.9).
(1) Intercalated nanocomposites: in an intercalated
nanocomposite, the insertion of polymer matrix
into the layered silicate structure occurs in a
crystallographically regular fashion, regardless of
the silicate layer (clay) to polymer ratio. Properties
of the composites typically resemble those of
ceramic materials.
3.2 In Situ Intercalative Polymerisation Method

In this method, the OMLS is swollen within the liquid
monomer or a monomer solution so that the polymer
formation can occur in between the intercalated sheets.
Polymerisation can be initiated either by heat or radiation,
by the diffusion of a suitable initiator, or by an organic
initiator or catalyst fixed through cation exchange inside
the interlayer before the swelling step by the monomer.
(2) Flocculated nanocomposites: conceptually this is

the same as with intercalated nanocomposites,
however, silicate layers are sometimes flocculated
due to hydroxylated edge-edge interaction of the
silicate layers. The length of the oriented
collections in the range of 300-800 nm is far larger
than the original silicate layer (mean diameter 150
nm) (165, 286, a.9). Such flocculation presumably
Intercalated
Intercalated-and-flocculated
Exfoliated
Figure 3
Schematic illustration of three different types of thermodynamically achievable polymer/clay nanocomposites.
(Adapted from (a.9), S. Sinha Ray et al., Macromolecules, 2003, 36, 2355, with permission from the American
Chemical Society)
is governed by an interfacial energy between

polymer matrix and organoclays and controlled by
ammonium cation-matrix polymer interaction. The
polarity of the matrix polymer is of fundamental
importance in controlling the nanoscale structure.
(3) Exfoliated nanocomposites: in exfoliated
nanocomposites, the individual silicate layers are
separated in a continuous polymer matrix by an
average distance that totally depends on the layered
silicate loading. Usually, the clay content of an
exfoliated nanocomposite is much lower than that
of an intercalated nanocomposites.
4.2 Characterisation of PLS Nanocomposites

The structure of the PLS nanocomposites has typically
been established using wide-angle X-ray diffraction
(WAXD) analysis and transmission electron microscope
(TEM) observations. Due to its ease of use and
availability WAXD is most commonly used to probe
the PLS nanocomposite structure and sometimes to study
the kinetics of the polymer melt intercalation. By
monitoring the position, shape and intensity of the basal
reflections from the distributed silicate layers, the
nanocomposite structure either intercalated or exfoliated
may be identified. For example, in the case of exfoliated
nanocomposites, the extensive layer separation
associated with the delamination of the original silicate
layers in the polymer matrix results in the eventual
disappearance of any coherent X-ray diffraction from
the distributed silicate layers. On the other hand, for
intercalated nanocomposites, the finite layer expansion
associated with the polymer intercalation results in the
appearance of a new basal reflection corresponding to
the larger gallery height. Although, WAXD offers a
convenient method to determine the interlayer spacing
of the silicate layers in the original layered silicates and

in the intercalated nanocomposites (within 1-4 nm),
however, little can be said about the spatial distribution
of the silicate layers or any structural inhomogeneities
in the PLS nanocomposites. Additionally, some layered
silicates initially do not exhibit well-defined basal
reflection. Thus, peak broadening and intensity decreases
are very difficult to study systematically. Therefore,
conclusions concerning the mechanism of
nanocomposites formation and their structure based
solely on WAXD patterns are only tentative.
On the other hand, TEM allows a qualitative
understanding of the internal structure, spatial
distribution of the various phases, and defect structure
through direct visualisation. However, special care
must be exercised to guarantee a representative crosssection of the sample. The WAXD patterns and
corresponding TEM images of three different types of
nanocomposites are presented in Figure 4.
5 Types of Polymers for the

Preparation of Nanocomposites
5.1 Vinyl Polymer Systems
These include the vinyl addition polymers derived from
common monomers like:
methyl methacrylate (MMA) (170, 240, 246, 280,

286, 314, 320, 323, 330, 389, 341, a.16-a.18),
methyl methacrylate copolymers (280, 286, 367),
other acrylates (322, 325, 392),
Intercalated
Intercalated-and-flocculated
Exfoliated
(a)
(b)
Figure 4
(a) WAXD patterns and (b) TEM images of three different types of nanocomposites
acrylic acid (259, a.19),
acrylonitrile (AN) (132, 420, a.20, a.21),
In addition, more specialised polymers have also been

used like:
PVA (223, 299, 352, 375, a.11),
styrene (S) (155, 160, 167, 204, 222, 235, 240, 248,
276, 300, 310, 323, 327, 340, 371, 386, 390, 408,
a.22, a.23),
poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) (365),
polyvinyl pyrrolidinone (55, 318, 353),
4-vinylpyridine (224, a.24), and
polyvinyl pyridine (224, 331),
acrylamide (344, 354).
polyethylene glycol (PEG) (a.25),
ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (PEVA) (126, a.26),
polyvinylidene fluoride (67),
poly (p-phenylenevinylene) (a.27),
polybutadiene (373),
styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer (SAN) (218,

294), and
polystyrene-polyisoprene diblock copolymer

(133, 317).
5.1.1 PS/LS Nanocomposites

Akelah and Moet (390) have used the in situ
intercalative polymerisation technique for the
preparation of PS/LS nanocomposites. They modified
Na+-MMT and Ca+2-MMT with vinylbenzyltrimethyl
ammonium cation by the ion exchange reaction and
these modified MMTs were used for the preparation
of nanocomposites. They first disperse and swell
modified clays in various solvent and co-solvent
mixtures such as acetonitrile, acetonitrile/toluene and
acetonitrile/THF by stirring for 1 hour under N 2
atmosphere. To the stirred solution, S and N,N-azobis
(isobutyronitrile) (AIBN) were added, and
polymerisation of S was carried at 80 C for 5 hours.
The resulting composites were isolated by precipitation
of the colloidal suspension in methanol, filtered off and
dried. In this way, intercalated PS/MMT
nanocomposites were produced and the extent of
intercalation completely depends upon the nature of
the solvent used. Although, the PS is well intercalated,
a drawback of this procedure remains that the
macromolecule produced is not a pure PS but rather a
copolymer between S and vinylbenzyltrimethylammonium cations.
For the preparation of PS based nanocomposites, Doh
and Cho (357) have used more commonly used MMT.
They compared the ability of several tetraalkylammonium cations incorporated in Na+-MMT
through the exchange reaction to promote the
intercalation of PS through the free radical
polymerisation of S initiated by AIBN at 50 C. They
found that the structural affinity between S monomer
and the surfactant of modified MMT plays an
important role in the final structure and the properties
of nanocomposites. This concept was nicely employed
by Weimer and co-workers (a.23) for the preparation
of PS/MMT nanocomposites. They modified Na+-
MMT by anchoring an ammonium cation bearing a

nitroxide moiety known for its ability to mediate the
controlled/living free radical polymerisation of S in
bulk. The absence of WAXD peaks in the low angle
area together with the TEM observations of silicate
layers randomly dispersed within the PS matrix attest
for the complete exfoliation of the layered silicate.
PS was also the first polymer used for the preparation
of nanocomposite using the melt intercalation technique
with alkylammonium cation modified MMT (408). In
a typical preparative method, PS was first mixed with
host organoclay powder, the mixture was pressed into
a pellet and then heated in a vacuum at 165 C. This
temperature is well above the bulk glass transition
temperature of PS ensuring the presence of a polymer
melt. The WAXD patterns of the hybrid before heating
show peaks characteristic of the pure organoclay and
during heating the organoclay peaks were progressively
reduced while a set of new peaks corresponding to the
PS/LS appeared. After 25 hours, the hybrid shows the
WAXD patterns corresponding predominantly to the
intercalated structure.
Syndiotactic polystyrene (s-PS)/organoclay
nanocomposites have also been prepared by the
solution intercalation technique by mixing pure s-PS
and organoclay with adsorbed cetyl pyridinium
chloride (207).
5.1.2 PMMA/LS Nanocomposites

Okamoto and co-workers (286, 323) used organically
modified smectite clays for the preparation of
PMMA/LS and PS/LS nanocomposites. Organically
modified smectite clays (SPN and STN) were prepared
by replacing Na+-smectite with quaternary ammonium
(QA), oligo (oxypropylene)-, diethylmethylammonium
cation (SPN) or methyltrioctylammonium cation (STN)
by exchange reaction. In a typical synthesis, both
lipophilised smectite clays (SPN and STN) were
dispersed in MMA and S via ultrasonication at 25 C
for 7 hours to obtain suspensions. After that t-butyl
peroxy-2-ethylhexanate and/or 1,1-bis(t-butyl peroxy)
cyclohexane as an initiator was added to the suspensions
and then free-radical polymerisation was carried out in
the dark at 80 C for 5 hours (for MMA) and at 100 C
for 16 hours (for S) in a silicon oil bath. For comparison
the workers also prepared PMMA and/or PS including
QA as the references under the same conditions and
procedure. WAXD analyses were performed directly
from the suspensions of MMA/SPN, MMA/STN and
S/SPN, and corresponding nanocomposites.
been completely exfoliated or delaminated in the

suspension. An almost similar pattern was observed in
the corresponding PMMA/SPN nanocomposite but
with a small remnant shoulder as shown in Figure 5b.
Further studies (286) have demonstrated the effect of
the nature of co-monomers on the structure of PMMA
nanocomposites prepared via in situ free-radical copolymerisation of MMA in the presence of lyophilised
smectite clays (each contain 10 wt%). They used three
different types of co-monomers (each 1 mol%): N,Ndimethylaminopropyl acrylamide (PAA), N,Ndimethylaminoethyl acrylate (AEA) and acrylamide
(AA) for the free-radical polymerisation of MMA.
Figure 6 shows TEM pictures of the observed
structures. In the case of PMMA-PAA/SPN10 (see
Figure 6c), individual silicate layers connected through
the edge are clearly observed in the PMMA-PAA matrix
and large anisotropy of the dispersed clay is observed.
In contrast, the PMMA-AA/SPN10 nanocomposite
(see Figure 6d) exhibited less stacking of 4-5 silicate
layers with a thickness of the stacking layers of about
5 nm as a fine dispersion in the PMMA-AA matrix.
The coherent orders of the silicate layers in this system
are higher than that in other systems.
Figure 5
WAXD patterns of various monomer/organoclay
suspensions and corresponding polymer/LS
nanocomposites: (a) PMMA/STN, (b) PMMA/SPN
and (c) PS/SPN. The dashed lines indicate the
location of the silicate (001) reflection of organoclay
from suspensions and nanocomposites. The asterisk
indicates the position of (001) reflections from
suspensions and nanocomposites. The arrows
indicate a small shoulder or a weak peak.
(Reprinted from (323), M. Okamoto et al., Polymer,
2000, 41, 3887, with permission from Elsevier
Science Ltd.)
From WAXD patterns of MMA/STN suspension (see

Figure 5a), the higher-order peaks of interlayer spacing
corresponding to d(002) and d(003) are clearly observed
along with the basal spacing d(001) peak, suggesting
MMA intercalated into the STN gallery without the
loss of layer structure. The corresponding
nanocomposite, PMMA/STN exhibits rather broad
Braggs peaks, indicating the formation of disordered
intercalated structure. In contrast, for MMA/SPN
suspension (see Figure 5b), the absence of any Bragg
diffraction peaks indicates that the silicate layer has
10
5.1.3 PVA/LS Nanocomposites

Strawhecker and Manias (299) have produced PVA/
MMT nanocomposite films. PVA/MMT nanocomposite
films were cast from MMT/water suspension where PVA
was dissolved. Room temperature distilled water was
used to form a suspension of Na+-MMT. The suspension
was first stirred for 1 hour and then sonicated for 30
minutes. Low viscosity, fully hydrolysed atactic PVA
was then added to the stirring suspensions such that the
total solid (silicate plus polymer) was 5 wt%. The
mixtures were then heated to 90 C to dissolve the PVA,
again sonicated for 30 minutes, and finally films were
cast in a closed oven at 40 C for 2 days. The recovered
cast films were then characterised by both WAXD and
TEM. Both the d-spacing and their distribution decrease
systematically with increasing MMT wt% in the
nanocomposites.
5.1.4 Block Copolymer/LS Nanocomposites

Krishnamoorti (133, 317) prepared block copolymerbased layered silicate nanocomposites. Disordered
polystyrene-polyisoprene block copolymer/LS
nanocomposites were prepared by solution mixing of
appropriate quantities of finely ground dimethyl-
dioctadecylammonium cation modified MMT (2C18MMT) and an anionically synthesised monodisperse

polystyrene-1,4-polyisoprene (7 mol% 3,4 and
93 mol% 1,4) diblock copolymer (PSPI18) in toluene
at room temperature. The homogeneous solution was
dried extensively at room temperature and subsequently
annealed at 100 C in a vacuum oven for ~12 hours to
remove any remaining solvent and to facilitate
complete polymer intercalation between the silicate
layers. The intercalation of PS into the silicate layers
may be due to the slight Lewis base character imparted
by the phenyl ring in PS, leading to favourable
interactions with the 2C18-MMT layers. Further, the
interlayer gallery spacing for the PSPI18/2C18-MMT
composites is independent of the silicate loading. All
the hybrids exhibit clear regular layered structure,
demonstrated by the presence of the d001 and higherorder diffraction peaks. This independence of gallery
height on the silicate loading is consistent with the
results obtained by Vaia and coworkers on model PSbased nanocomposite systems.
5.2 Condensation Polymers and Rubbers

Several technologically important polycondensates
have also been used in nanocomposite preparation with
LS. These include:
Nylon 6 (85, 90, 91, 138, 145, 147, 162, 177,

179, 202, 203, 210, 211, 213, 217, 228, 232, 233,
237, 238, 256, 282, 288, 301, 305, 351, 358, 368,
369, 378, 399, 400, 404, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416,
a.28, a.29),
several other polyamides (65, 92, 129, 194, 287,

309, 311, 355, 370, 401),
poly(-caprolactone) (PCL) (88, 102, 124, 141,

152, 154, 378, 380, 398, 409),
polyethylene terephthalate (PET) (120, 199, 229,

274, 348, 350, 381, 379, 391, a.30, a.31),
polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) (135),
polypropylene terephthalate (PPT) (a.32, a.33),
polycarbonate (PC) (284, 321, a.34, a.35),
PEO (128, 139, 142, 175, 195, 209, 221, 239,

247, 252, 293, 304, 332, 339, 384, 402, 411, 417,
a.36-a.38),
Figure 6
TEM images of: (a) PMMA/SPN, (b) PMMA-AEA
(1 mol%)/SPN, (c) PMMA-PAA (1 mol%)/SPN, and
(d) PMMA-AA (1 mol%)/SPN.
Each contains 10 wt% SPN.
(Reprinted from (286), M. Okamoto et al., Polymer,
Science Ltd.)
11
ethylene oxide copolymers (347),
polyethylene imine (a.39),
polydimethyl siloxane (PDMS) (241, 250, 316,

329, 363, 396),
liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) (148, 285),
polybenzoxazole (PBO) (140),
butadiene copolymers (231) (345) (297) (296),
epoxidised natural rubber (216, 343),
epoxy polymer resins (EPR) (95, 96, 130, 137, 143,

193, 201, 249, 255, 261, 277, 281, 283, 313, 364,
366, 388, 395, 403, 405, 407, a.40-a.43),
phenolic resins (275, 298),
polyurethanes (PU) (118, 136, 171, 184, 215, 225,

270, 272, 326, 356, a.44),
polyurethane urea (PUU) (171, 270),
polyimides (131, 185, 206, 242, 254, 263, 258, 266,

273, 279, 289, 290, 335, 337, 346, 377, 410, 406),
polyamic acid (200, 260, 269, 335, 342),
polysulfone (123, 220) and
polyetherimide (289).
5.2.1 Nylon/LS Nanocomposites

In 1993, Usuki, Fukushima and their colleagues of
TCRD successfully prepared, for the first time,
exfoliated Nylon 6/LS hybrid (NCH) via in situ
polymerisation of -caprolactam (see Section 1). TCRD
reported (a.8) the ability of ,-amino acids (COOH(CH2)n-1-NH2+, with n = 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 11, 12, 18) and
modified Na+-MMT to be swollen by the
-caprolactam monomer at 100 C and subsequently
to initiate ring opening polymerisation to obtain
Nylon 6/MMT nanocomposites. For the intercalation
of -caprolactam, they chose the ammonium cation of
-amino acids because these acids catalyse ringopening polymerisation of -caprolactam.
Liu and co-workers (351) first used this technique
for the preparation of commercially available
Nylon 6/C18-MMT nanocomposites by using a twin-
12
screw extruder. They prepared nanocomposites with

MMT content from 1 to 18 wt%. WAXD patterns and
TEM observations respectively indicated that
nanocomposites prepared with MMT content of less
than 10 wt% leads to the exfoliated structure, but more
than 10 wt% MMT leads to the formation of
intercalated structure. After that VanderHart and coworkers (202, 203) prepared Nylon 6/LS
nanocomposites using the melt intercalation method.
Fornes and co-workers (211) have reported the
preparation of Nylon 6/LS nanocomposites under
molten state using a twin-screw extruder. They used
three different molecular grades of Nylon 6 for the
preparation of nanocomposites with bis(hydroxyethyl)(methyl)-rapeseed-quaternary ammonium
((HE)2M1R1) modified MMT, and tried to find out any
effect of matrix molecular weights on structure,
properties, rheology, etc. Nanocomposites were
prepared using a Haake, co-rotating, intermeshing twinscrew extruder, which was operated at 240 C with a
screw speed of 280 rpm, and a feed rate of 980 g/h.
They also examined the effect of OMLS structure on
Nylon 6 nanocomposite morphology and properties
(85). In order to understand this, a series of organic
amine salts were ion exchanged with Na+-MMT to form
OMLSs varying in amine structure or exchange level
relative to the MMT. Each OMLS was melt-mixed with
a high molecular weight (HMW) Nylon 6 using a twinscrew extruder; some organoclays were also mixed
with low molecular weight (LMW) Nylon 6. The
structure and corresponding nomenclature of various
amine compounds that were used for the modification
of Na+-MMT using the ion exchange method are
presented in Figure 7. They concluded that three
distinct surfactant effects were identified that lead to
greater extents of exfoliation, higher stiffness, and
increased yield strengths for nanocomposites based
on the HMW Nylon 6:
(a) one long alkyl tail on the ammonium ion rather
than two;
(b) methyl groups on the amine rather than
2-hydroxyethyl groups, and
(c) an equivalent amount of amine surfactant on the
layered silicate as opposed to an excess amount.
Gilman and co-workers (105) reported the preparation
of Nylon 6- and PS-based nanocomposites of MMT
modified with trialkylimidazolium cation in order to
obtain high stability of OMLS at high processing
temperature. Figure 8 represents the various kinds of
imidazolium salts used for the modification of MMT.
Cl-
CH3
N+
T(C18)
CH3
HT(C18)
N+
CH3
CH3
CH3
M3T1
M3(HT)1
CH2CH2OH ClN+
R(C22)
Cl-
CH3
Cl-
CH3
HT(C18)
CH3
CH2CH2OH
N+
CH3
HT(C18)
(HE)2M1R1
M2(HT)2
Cl-
Cl-
CH2CH2OH
N+
T(C18)
CH2CH2OH
C*(C12)
CH3
CH2CH2OH
HT(C18)
N+
CH3
CH2CH2OH
(HE)2M1T1
N+
(HE)2M1C*1
(HSO4)-
CH3
HT(C18)
CH3
N+
(HSO4)CH3
HT(C18)
M2H1(HT)1
M1H1(HT)2
Figure 7
(a) Molecular structure and nomenclature of amine salts used to organically modify Na+-MMT by ion exchange.
Symbols M: Methyl, T: Tallow, HT: hydrogenated tallow, HE:2-hydroxy-ethyl, R: rapeseed, C: cocoalkyl, and H
hydrogen designate the substitutents on the nitrogen.
(Reprinted from (85), T.D. Fornes et al., Polymer, 2002, 43, 5915, with permission from Elsevier Science Ltd.)
Me
N
R
propyl
X- = Cl-, BF4-
butyl
R=
decyl
Me
hexadecyl
Dimethyl alkyl imidazolium salts
Figure 8
Structures of various imidazolium salts used to treat Na+-MMT
(Reprinted from (105), J.W. Gilman et al., Chem. Mater., 2002, 14, 3776, with permission from the
American Chemical Society)
13
For the preparation of nanocomposites they used a

mini-extruder, which was operated at 10 C above the
melting point of the polymer with a residence time of
3-5 min and screw speed of 200-300 rpm.
5.2.2 PCL/LS Nanocomposites

Messersmith and Giannelis (409) modified MMT using
protonated aminolauric acid and dispersed the modified
MMT in liquid -caprolactone (CL) before
polymerising at high temperature. The nanocomposites
were prepared by mixing up to 30 wt% of the modified
MMT with dried and freshly distilled -caprolactone
for a couple of hours followed by ring opening
polymerisation under stirring at 170 C for 48 hours.
The same authors (398) have also reported on the
-caprolactone polymerisation inside a Cr+3-exchanged
fluorohectorite at 100 C for 48 hours.
Pantoustier and co-workers (88, 102) used this in situ
intercalative polymerisation method. They used both
pristine MMT and -amino dodecanoic acid modified
MMT for the comparison of prepared nanocomposites
properties. For nanocomposite synthesis, in a
polymerisation tube, the desired amount of pristine MMT
was first dried under vacuum at 70 C for 3 hours. A
given amount of -caprolactone was then added under
nitrogen and the reaction medium was stirred at room
temperature for 1 hour. A solution of initiator, dibutyl
tin dimethoxide or tin (II) 2-ethylhexanolate in dry
toluene was added to the mixture in order to reach a
[monomer]/[Sn] molar ratio equal to 300. The
polymerisation of CL with pristine MMT gives PCL with
a molar mass of 4800 g/mol and a narrow distribution.
For comparison the authors also conducted the same
experiment without MMT but there was no
polymerisation of CL. These results demonstrate the
ability of MMT to catalyse and to control CL
polymerisation, at least in terms of molecular weight
distribution, to a remarkably narrow range. For the
mechanism of polymerisation, the authors assume that
the CL is activated through interaction with acidic sites
on the clay surface and the polymerisation is likely to
be proceeding via the activated monomer mechanism
by the cooperative function of Lewis acidic aluminium
and Bronstrated acidic silanol functionalities on the
initiator. On the other hand, the polymerisation of CL
with protonated -amino dodecanoic acid modified
MMT, gives a molar mass of 7800 g/mol with a monomer
conversion of 92% and again a narrow molecular weight
distribution. In other very recent publications (150, 151),
the same group prepared PCL/MMT nanocomposites
by using in situ ring opening polymerisation of CL using
dibutyl tin dimethoxide as an initiator/catalyst.
14
5.2.3 PET/LS Nanocomposites

There are many reports on the preparation and
characterisation of PET/LS nanocomposites using the
in situ polymerisation method. Unfortunately no reports
give a detailed description of the preparative method.
One report describes the preparation of a PET
nanocomposite by in situ polymerisation of a dispersion
of organoclay in water; however, characterisation of
the resulting composite was not reported (350). This
report claims that water serves as a dispersing aid for
the intercalation of monomers into the galleries of the
OMLS and discloses that a wide variety of small
molecules can serve as dispersing aids in place of, or
in combination with, water. Imai (120) reported the
preparation of higher-modulus PET/expandable
fluorine mica nanocomposites with a novel reactive
compatibiliser. Details regarding the synthetic route are
presented in reference (120).
Davis and co-workers (a.31) first reported the
preparation of PET-based nanocomposite using the
melt intercalation method. They used 1,2-dimethyl3-N-alkyl imidazolium salt modified MMT
(hexadecyl-MMT) for the nanocomposite preparation
with PET. PET/MMT nanocomposites were
compounded via melt blending in a co-rotating mini
twin-screw extruder operated at 285 C. WAXD
analyses and TEM (see Figure 9) observations
respectively established the formation of mixed
delaminated/intercalated structure in the
nanocomposites.
5.2.4 PBT/LS Nanocomposites

As well as PET/LS systems, this method was
successfully applied by Chisholm and co-workers (135)
for the preparation PBT/LS nanocomposites. They used
sulfonated PBT for the preparation of nanocomposites.
Because of the ionic nature of the -SO3Na groups and
the expected insolubility of the -SO3Na groups in the
polyester matrix, it was thought that the presence of
the SO3Na groups may provide a thermodynamic
driving force for the production of nanocomposites
derived from MMT. But after preparation and
characterisation of the nanocomposites it was found
that the degree of intercalation was not strongly
dependent on the amount of -SO3Na groups, however,
the mechanical properties increased significantly with
increasing -SO3Na content. This behaviour indicates
that with high -SO 3 Na content the number of
interactions increases between the clay particles and
the matrix via strong specific interactions involving
the -SO3Na groups.
(a)
50 nm
500 nm
(b)
500 nm
50 nm
Figure 9
TEM images of PET/LS nanocomposites: (a) high levels of dispersion and exfoliation, average tactoids of four
sheets per stack and (b) similar levels of dispersion and delamination
(Reprinted from (a.31), C.H. Davis et al., J Polym. Sci. Part B Polym. Phys., 2002, 40, 2661, with permission
from John Wiley & Sons, Inc.)
5.2.5 PC/LS Nanocomposites

Huang (321) reported the synthesis of a partially
exfoliated bisphenol A PC nanocomposite using
carbonate cyclic oligomers and ditallow dimethylexchanged MMT. WAXD patterns indicate that
exfoliation of this organoclay occurs after mixing with
the cyclic oligomers in a Brabender mixer for 1 hour at
180 C. Subsequent ring-opening polymerisation of the
cyclic oligomers converts the matrix into the polymer
without disruption of the nanocomposite structure. TEM
revealed that a little exfoliation is obtained.
Mitsunaga and Okamoto (a.34, a.35) have reported the
preparation of intercalated PC/LS nanocomposites,
using the melt intercalation method in the presence of
compatibiliser. The morphology of these
nanocomposites and degradation of the PC-matrix after
nanocomposite preparation could be controlled by
varying the surfactants used for the modification of
the clay and compatibilisers. The intercalated PC/LS
nanocomposites exhibited remarkable improvements

of mechanical properties when compared with PC
without silicate layers. They also conducted foam
processing of PC/LS nanocomposites by using
supercritical CO2 at 10 MPa in a batch process.
5.2.6 PEO/LS Nanocomposites

In 1992, Aranda and Ruiz-Hitzky (417) first reported
the preparation of PEO/MMT nanocomposites. They
have carried out a series of experiments to intercalate
PEO (MW = 105 g/mol) into Na+-MMT using different
polar solvents, e.g., mixtures (1:1) of water/methanol
and methanol/acetonitrile. In this method the nature of
the solvents is very crucial to facilitate the insertion of
polymers between the silicate layers, the polarity of
the medium being a determining factor for intercalation.
The high polarity of water causes swelling of Na+-MMT
provoking the cracking of the films. Methanol is not
suitable as a solvent for high molecular weight PEO,
15
whereas water/methanol mixtures appear to be useful

for intercalations, although cracking of the resulting
materials is frequently observed. PEO intercalated
compounds derived from homoionic M+n-MMT and
M+n-hectorite, can satisfactorily be obtained using
anhydrous acetonitrile or methanol/acetonitrile mixture
as solvents. In addition, the lack of PEO replacement
by organic compounds having high affinity toward the
parent silicate, such as dimethyl sulfoxide and crown
ethers, indicates again the high stability of PEOintercalated nanocomposites. On the other hand,
treatment with salt solutions provokes the replacement
of the interlayer cations without disturbance of the PEO.
For example, Na+ ions in PEO/Na+-MMT are easily
replaced by NH 4+ or CH 3 (CH 2 ) 2 NH 3 + ions, after
treatment (2 hours) at room temperature with aqueous
solution of their chloride, perchlorate and thiocyanate
salts (1N solutions), in a reversible process.
Various other authors (142, 195) have used the same
method and the same solvent for the preparation of
PEO/LS nanocomposites. Vaia and co-workers (402)
applied this method to intercalate PEO in Na+-MMT
layers. Intercalation of PEO in layered silicate was
accomplished by heating the PEO with the Na+-MMT
at 80 C. The WAXD patterns before any heating contain
peaks characteristic of both Na+-MMT and crystalline
PEO. After heating to 80 C, the intensity of the peaks
corresponding to the unintercalated silicate and
crystalline PEO is progressively reduced while a set of
new peaks corresponding to the PEO-intercalated MMT
are observed signifying the completion of intercalation.
Recently Shen and co-workers (139) reported the
preparation of PEO/OMLS nanocomposites using the
melt intercalation technique. In order to find out the effect
of thermal treatment on the amount of PEO and
polyethylene-polyethylene glycol diblock copolymer
(PE-PEG) intercalated into the layers of Na+-MMT and
on ionic conductivity of PEO/Na+-MMT, Liao and coworkers (209) have prepared PEO/Na+-MMT and
PE-PEG di-block copolymer/Na + -MMT nanocomposites using a melt intercalation technique. It was
found that PEO can be intercalated into the layers of
Na+-MMT by simple mechanical blending and part of
the PE in PE-PEG diblock copolymers was also
intercalated into the layers of Na+-MMT. The intercalated
amount increases with the thermal treatment time, which
ultimately improves the ionic conductivity of the
PEO/Na+-MMT nanocomposites.
nematic state. Melt intercalation of a model main chain

liquid crystalline copolymer based on 4,4-dihydroxy-methylstilbene and a 50:50 mole ratio mixture of
heptyl/nonyl alkyl dibromide was accomplished by
annealing a powder mixture of the polymer and OMLS
within the nematic region of the polymer. In another
report, Chang and co-workers (148) have prepared
nanocomposites of thermotropic liquid crystalline
polyester (TLCP) and Cloisite 25A (a commercial
organoclay) using a melt intercalation method above
the melt transition temperature of the TLCP. Liquid
crystallinity of the nanocomposites was observed with
OMLS content up to 6 wt%.
5.2.8 PBO/LS Nanocomposites

Zhu (204) used phosphonium salt for the modification
of clay and then tried to find out the differences between
organo ammonium and phosphonium salt treatments
of clay fillers in nanocomposites in their effects on
thermal stability. This technique was successfully
applied by Hsu (140) in order to prepare
polybenzoxazole (PBO)/LS nanocomposite from a
PBO precursor, polyhydroxyamide (PHA) and an
OMLS. The PBO precursor was made by the low
temperature polycondensation reaction between
isophthaloyl chloride (IC) and 2,2-bis(3-amino-4hydroxyphenyl) hexafluoropropane with an inherent
viscosity of 0.5 dl/g. For the preparation of PBO/LS
nanocomposite, the OMLS was first dispersed in
dimethyacetamide in which PHA was dissolved. The
PHA/LS film was obtained from solution casting and
dried at 80 C under vacuum. Finally PBO/LS
nanocomposite was obtained by curing the film at
350 C to form the benzoxazole ring.
5.2.9 EPR/LS Nanocomposites

The chemistry of ring opening polymerisation of
epoxides to form polyether nanocomposites was
followed by studies of both rubbery and glassy thermoset
epoxy (EPR)/LS nanocomposites using different types
of amine curing agents. The mechanisms leading to the
monolayer exfoliation of clay layers in thermoset epoxy
systems have been greatly elucidated. In addition, the
polymer/LS interfacial properties have been shown to
play a dominant role in determining the performance
benefits derived from nanolayer exfoliation.
5.2.7 LCP/LS Nanocomposites

Vaia (285) reported the reversible intercalation between
OMLS and liquid crystalline polymers (LCP) in the
16
Giannelis and co-workers (405) first reported the

preparation of epoxy resin based nanocomposites of
OMLS. They have analysed the effect of different curing
agents and curing conditions on the formation of

nanocomposites based on the diglycidyl ether of
bisphenol A (DGEBA) and a MMT modified by
bis (2-hydroxyethyl) methyl hydrogenated tallow
alkylammonium cation. They found that this modified
clay dispersed readily in DGEBA when sonicated for a
short time period, as determined by the increase in
viscosity at relatively low shear rates and the transition
of the suspension from opaque to semitransparent. The
increase in viscosity was attributed to the formation of a
so-called house-of-cards structure in which edge-toedge and edge-to-face interactions between dispersed
layers form a percolation structure. Wang and Pinnavaia
(407) used a series of acidic cations such as H+, NH4+,
and acidic onium ions of the type [H3N(CH2)n-1COOH]+,
[H3N(CH2)nNH2]+, [H3N(CH2)nNH3]+2 (n = 6 and 12)
for the modification of MMT and carried out the
polymerisation-delamination process over the
temperature range of 198-287 C. They found that the
EPR-clay delamination temperature (PDT) was
dependent on the heating rate and nature of the cation
used for the modification of the clay. In general, the PDT
increased with decreasing cation acidity and basal
spacing of the clay.
The delamination of MMT in the polymerised epoxy
resin was confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD),
as shown by the powder patterns in parts (a) and (b) of
Figure 10 where [H3N(CH2)11COOH]+-MMT remains
crystalline over the temperature range 25-229 C. Only
the very diffuse scattering characteristic of the
amorphous polyether appears in the XRD pattern of the

composite. The absence of a 17 peak for
[H3N(CH2)11COOH] +-MMT suggests that the clay
particles have been exfoliated and the 9.6 -thick clay
layers dispersed at the molecular level. TEM provides
unambiguous evidence for the delamination of the MMT
in the polyether matrix. PDT values and thermodynamic
data for MMT-polyether nanocomposites formed from
bifunctional onium ion MMT and onium ion NH4+, and
H+ MMT are presented in Table 3 and Table 4.
A group from Australia (137) has reported the
morphology, thermal relaxation and mechanical
properties of PLS nanocomposites of high-functionality
epoxy resins. Three different types of resins were used:
bifunctional DGEBA, trifunctional triglycidyl p-amino
phenol (TGAP), tetrafunctional tetraglycidyldiamino
diphenylmethane (TGDDM) and all were cured with
diethyltoluene diamine (DETDA). The structure of the
resins and curing agent are presented in Table 5. MMT
modified with octadecylammonium cation was used
for the preparation of nanocomposites. The morphology
of the cured samples was investigated using WAXD
and different microscopy techniques. Figure 11(a)
shows the WAXD patterns of the MMT concentration
series showing that the organoclay with an initial dspacing of 2.3 nm is mainly exfoliated in the DGEBAbased system. On the other hand, high content (10 wt%)
OMLSs show intercalated structure, while DGEBAbased systems, resins of higher functionality show
distinctive peaks even at low OMLS loading, indicating
Figure 10
(a) XRD powder patterns for a freeze-dried [H3N(CH2)11COOH]+-MMT, (b) [H3N(CH2)11COOH]+-MMT freeze-dried
and then heated at 229 C, and (c) clay-polyether nanocomposite containing 5 wt% [H3N(CH2)11COOH]+-MMT
(Reprinted from (407), M.S. Wang et al., Chem. Mater., 1995, 7, 468, with permission from the
17
Table 3 PDT values and thermodynamic data for polyether/clay nanocomposites formed from
bifunctional onium ion-MMTa
Initial basal spacing
()
PDTb (C)
Heat of reaction
(J/g)
Heat of
polymerisationc
(kJ/mol)
[H3N(CH2)11COOH]+
17.0 0.1
229 1
572 16
228 6
[H3N(CH2)5COOH]+
[H3N(CH2)12NH3]2+
[H3N(CH2)6NH3]2+
[H3N(CH2)12NH2]+
[H3N(CH2)6NH2]+
a The clay:polymer composition
13.3 0.0
248 1
565 06
225 2
13.4 0.1
271 1
566 08
225 3
13.1 0.1
273 2
568 07
226 3
13.5 0.0
281 2
563 07
224 3
13.2 0.1
287 2
557 03
222 2
Interlayer cation
was 5:95 (w/w).

is the onset temperature for epoxide polymerisation-clay delamination at a heating rate of 20 C/min.
c Heat of reaction for two epoxide equivalents.
Reprinted from (407), M.S. Wang et al., Chem. Mater., 1995, 7, 468, with permission from the American Chemical Society.
b PDT
Table 4 PDT values and thermodynamic data for polyether/clay nanocomposites formed from
onium ion, NH4+, and H+ MMT
Interlayer cation
Initial basal spacing

()
PDTa (C)
Heat of reaction
(J/g)
Heat of polymb
(kJ/mol)
[H3N(CH2)11CH3]+
15.9 0.2
198 1
550 3
219 2
[H3N(CH2)5CH3]+
14.9 0.1
287 1
554 6
220 3
NH42+
H+
12.5 0.1
247 1
554 5
220 2
13.9 0.1
231 1
555 12
221 5
PDT is the onset temperature for epoxide polymerization-clay delamination at a heating rate of 20 C/min
and a composite clay:polymer composition of 5:95 (w/w).
b Heat of polymerisation for two epoxide equivalents.
Reprinted from (407), M.S. Wang et al., Chem. Mater., 1995, 7, 468, with permission from the American Chemical Society.
a The
that these nanocomposites have a lower degree of

exfoliated structure. WAXD patterns are shown in
Figure 11b for TGAP and Figure 11c for TGADDM
based nanocomposites of MMT. In the case of any
nanocomposite systems, the peak observed at around
2.5 nm correlates to the (002) plane and therefore
represents only half the distance of the d-spacing.
Figure 12 comprises atomic force microscopy (AFM)
phase contrast images of the DGEBA nanocomposite
containing 5 wt% layered silicate. Individual layers
cannot be seen by AFM as they usually are by the TEM.
A striated structure, however, can be seen with
increasing phase intervals at the top of the picture. From
the AFM images it is evident that silicate layers are
18
not homogeneously distributed in the matrix, some

stacked layers are present.
Chen and co-workers (130) synthesised epoxy-MMT
nanocomposite using a surface initiated method in order
to understand the interlayer expansion mechanism and
thermal-mechanical properties of these nanocomposites.
MMT modified with bis-2-hydroxyethyl methyl tallow
ammonium cation (C30B) was used as OMLS for
nanocomposite synthesis. 3,4-epoxycyclohexylmethyl3,4-epoxycyclohexane carboxylate was used as the
epoxy monomer, and hexahydro-4-methylphthalic
anhydride (HHMPA), ethylene glycol (EG), and
benzyldimethylamine (BDMA) were respectively used
as curing agent, initiator and catalyst during synthesis.
Table 5 Epoxy resins and hardener as used for nanocomposite synthesis

Substance
Formula
DGEBA
CH3
O
CH2
CHCH2O
OCH2CH
CH2
CH3
TGAP
O
O
CH2
CHCH2O
CH2CH
CH2
CH2CH
CH2
TGDDM
O
CH
CH2
CH2
N
CH2
CH
CH2
CH
CH2
CH2
CH
CH2
CH2
CH2
DETDA
CH3
CH3
NH2
CH3CH2
CH2CH3
H2N
CH3CH2
NH2
CH2CH3
NH2
Reprinted from (137), O. Becker et al., Polymer, 2002, 43, 4365, with permission from Elsevier Science Ltd.
The curing mechanism for an epoxy-anhydride

system with an alcohol initiator is shown in
Figure 13. Amine catalysts like BDMA were added
to the mixture to accelerate the reaction by
facilitating the ring opening of epoxy groups. Several
published papers indicate that intragallery onium
ions can catalyse the epoxy curing reaction and thus
lead to favourable conditions for obtaining exfoliated
PLS nanocomposites. Chen and co-workers (130)
verified that the crosslinking reactions in the
presence of C30B were due to hydroxy initiation and
not due to catalytic reactions. The extent of reaction
of a resin containing C30B was compared to the
extent of reaction for a neat resin and resins
containing either EG or BDMA.
Time-resolved high-temperature-XRD is used to
probe the expansion behaviour of the silicate layers
during curing of the PLS nanocomposites. In
Figure 14 the changes in d-spacing are plotted
against the isothermal cure time for various clay
loadings and cure temperature. On the basis of
various characterisation methods, the authors
proposed an exfoliation mechanism for surface-
initiated epoxy nanocomposites consisting of three

stages. In the first stage, the interlayer expansion
induced by intragallery polymerisation must
overcome any polymer chains that bridge the silicate
layers. The interlayer expansion cannot proceed
beyond the first stage if the number of bridging units
becomes too great. The second stage was
characterised by a steady and linear increase in
interlayer spacing and accounts for the majority of
the total expansion realised. In this stage, the silicate
layers could be monitored via isothermal differential
scanning calorimetry experiments. Also, for samples
that exhibited a large increase in interlayer expansion,
it was found that the activation energy associated with
the interlayer expansion was less than the activation
energy associated with the curing. The reverse was
true for samples that showed no increase in interlayer
spacing. In the third stage, the interlayer expansion
slowed then stopped, and in some cases decreased
slightly. This was ascribed to the evolving modulus
of the extragallery polymer such that the interlayer
expansion stopped when the modulus of the
extragallery polymer became equal to or exceeded the
modulus of the intragallery polymer.
19
(a)
(b)
(c)
Figure 11
WAXD patterns of (a) DETDA cured DGEBA nanocomposites, (b) DETDA cured TGAP nanocomposites and
(c) DETDA cured TGDDM nanocomposites containing 0-10 wt% organoclay
(Reprinted from (137), O. Becker et al., Polymer, 2002, 43, 4365, with permission from Elsevier Science Ltd.)
Figure 12
Phase contrast AFM images of DETDA cured DGEBA containing 5 wt% organoclay
(Reprinted from (137), O. Becker et al., Polymer, 2002, 43, 4365, with permission from Elsevier Science Ltd.)
20
O
HO
O
OH
+
O
OH
OH
O
HO
O
O
O
O
BDMA
OH
O
Figure 13
Schematic illustration of generalised curing reaction involving the epoxy monomer, HHMPA, EG, and BDMA
(Reprinted from (130), J.S. Chen et al., Polymer, 2002, 43, 4895, with permission from Elsevier Science Ltd.)
(a)
(b)
(c)
Figure 14
Changes in d001 as a function of the curing time and temperature: (a) 5, (b) 10, and (c) 15 wt% silicate loading.
The dashed lines denote the quantitative detection limit of the XRD setup
(Reprinted from (130), J.S. Chen et al., Polymer, 2002, 43, 4895, with permission from Elsevier Science Ltd.)
21
5.2.10 PU/LS Nanocomposites

Chen (a.44) has used a PCL-based nanocomposite
synthesis technique for the preparation of novel
segmented PU/LS nanocomposites from
diphenylmethane diisocyanate, butanediol and
preformed polycaprolactone diol. Although the
mechanism proposed for the chemical link between
the nanofiller surface and the polymer does not appear
appropriate, they succeeded in producing a material
where the nanofiller acts as a multifunctional chain
extender inducing the formation of star-shaped
segmented polyurethane.
Biomedical PUU/MMT (modified with dimethyl ditallow
ammonium cation) nanocomposites were prepared by
adding organoclay suspension in toluene drop-wise to a
solution of PUU in N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAC)
(270). The mixture was then stirred overnight at room
temperature. The solution was degassed, and films were
cast on to round glass Petri dishes. The films were airdried for 24 hours and subsequently dried under vacuum
at 50 C for 24 hours. WAXD analyses indicated the
formation of intercalated nanocomposites but they did not
show any TEM photographs.
solution of polyamic acid and a DMAC dispersion of

MMT modified with dodecylammonium cation.
Table 6 shows the dispersibility of various kinds of
organically modified MMTs in DMAC and the average
diameter of organophilic MMTs obtained from dynamic
light scattering experiments. In the case of 12CH3MMT, the MMT appeared to disperse in DMAC
homogeneously and the average diameter of the
dispersed MMT particles was the smallest of all.
Another interesting aspect is that as the carbon number
of the surfactant increases, the hydrophilicity of the
organophilic MMT decreases.
5.3 Polyolefins
PP (149, 158, 169, 180, 181, 187, 197, 198, 205, 208,
214, 227, 230, 262, 268, 271, 278, 295, 302, 319, 372,
374, 385, a.45), polyethylene (PE) (115, 134, 164, 219,
226, 251, 334, 349, 362), copolymers like ethylenevinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) (127, 156, 182, 192,
234) and ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer rubber
(EPDM) (163) have also been used in nanocomposites.
5.3.1 PP/LS Nanocomposites

5.2.11 Polyimide/LS Nanocomposites
Yano (184) has prepared polyimide/MMT
nanocomposites from a dimethylacetamide (DMAC)
Tudor and co-workers (a.45) used the in situ

intercalative polymerisation method for the
preparation of PP/LS nanocomposites. They have
demonstrated the ability of a soluble metallocene
Table 6 Dispersibility and average diameter of organically modified MMT in DMAC

Dispersibility of organophilic
MMT in DMAC
Average diametera
(m)
Not dispersible
Dispersible
0.44
Ammonium salt of 12-aminododecanoic acid

(12COOH-MMT)
Partly dispersible
3.75
n-Decyltrimethylammonium chloride (C10A-MMT)
Partly dispersible
0.61
n-Dodecyltrimethylammonium chloride
Not dispersible
n-Hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride
Not dispersible
n-Dioctadecyldimethylammonium chloride
Not dispersible
n-Trioctylmethylammonium chloride
Not dispersible
n-Benzyltrimethylammonium chloride
Not dispersible
Intercalated salts
n-Octyltrimethylammonium chloride
Ammonium salt of dodecylamine (12CH3-MMT)
a Values
of average diameter are much bigger than 200 nm, because an average diameter from light scattering
measurement includes solvent around a substance.
22
catalyst to intercalate inside silicate layers and to

promote the coordination polymerisation of
propylene. A synthetic hectorite (Laponite RD) was
first treated with methylaluminoxane (MAO) in order
to remove all the acidic protons and to prepare the
interlayer spacing to receive the transition metal
catalyst. It should be noted that MAO is commonly
used in association with metallocenes to produce
coordination catalysts active in olefin
polymerisations. In this first treatment step, WAXD
analysis showed no noticeable increase of the layer
spacing, although the diffraction peak broadened
slightly, but the increase in Al content and complete
disappearance of Si-OH signals from IR-spectra
indicate MAO reaction/adsorption inside the layered
silicate galleries. Upon the addition of the metallocene
catalyst ([Zr(-C5H5)Me(THF)]+), a cation exchange
reaction occurs between Na+ in MAO treated hectorite
and the metallocene catalyst as demonstrated by an
increase in the interlayer spacing of 0.47 nm,
consistent with the size of the species. Details are
shown in Figure 15. Using a synthetic fluorinated
mica-type layered silicate that is deprived from any
protons in the galleries; the catalyst was even
intercalated directly within the silicate layers without
the need of MAO treatment. These two modified
layered silicates catalysed the polymerisation of
propylene with reasonably high activity when
contacted with an excess of MAO, producing PP
oligomers. Unfortunately, the authors did not report
any characterisation of these composites, so one
cannot discuss the morphology.
Usuki and co-workers (385) reported a novel approach

to prepare PP/LS nanocomposites using functional
oligomer with polar telechelic OH groups (PP-OH) as
compatibiliser. In this approach, first PP-OH was
intercalated between the layers of 2C18-MMT and the
second step was the melt mixing of PP-OH/2C18-MMT
with PP, a nanocomposite with intercalated structure
was obtained. A further study by the same group (374)
reported the preparation of PP/MMT nanocomposites
by melt blending of PP, maleic anhydride grafted PP
oligomer (PP-MA) and clays modified with
stearylammonium, using a twin-screw extruder. In their
study, they used two different types of maleic anhydride
modified PP oligomer with different amounts of maleic
anhydride groups and two types of OMLSs to
understand the miscibility effect of the oligomers on
the dispersibility of the OMLS in PP matrix, and to
study the effect of hybridization on their mechanical
properties when compared with neat PP and PP/LS
nanocomposites without oligomers.
Okamoto and co-workers (227) prepared PP/MMT
nanocomposites using the same method as the previous
authors. For example, a mixture of PP-MA (0.2 wt%
MA) and C18-MMT was melt extruded at 200 C in a
twin-screw extruder. They prepared nanocomposites
with three different amount of OMLS content
(inorganic part) of 2, 4 and 7.5 wt%, which were
correspondingly abbreviated as PPCN2, PPCN4 and
PPCN7.5 respectively. WAXD patterns clearly
established the formation of near to exfoliate structure
with PPCN2, disordered intercalated nanocomposite
Figure 15
Schematic illustration of the modification and ion exchange of Laponite with [Zr(h-C5H5)2Me(THF)]BPh4 and
propylene polymerisation. Details regarding the reagent and conditions are given in the relevant reference.
(Reprinted from (a.45), J. Tudor et al., Chem. Commun., 1996, 2031, with permission from Royal Society of Chemistry)
23
(a) PPCN2
(b) PPCN7.5
Figure 16
A schematic illustration of the dispersed clay structure and the inter-fibrillar structure of PPCNs with:
(a) 2 wt%, and (b) 7.5 wt% MMT.
(Reprinted from (227), P.H. Nam et al., Polymer, 2001, 42, 9633, with permission from Elsevier Science Ltd.)
in the case of PPCN4, while PPCN7.5 showed ordered

intercalated structure. In order to understand the
hierarchical structure of PPCNs they also used
polarising optical microscopy, light scattering and also
small angle X-ray diffraction along with WAXD and
TEM. On the basis of these analyses they demonstrated
the dispersed clay and inter-fibrillar structure of PPCNs.
A schematic illustration of this structure is presented
in Figure 16.
Manias and co-workers (205) reviewed the preparation
of PP/organically modified MMT, having a coexisting
intercalated and exfoliated structure, by the melt
intercalation technique. In order to prepare
nanocomposites they applied two different techniques:
(a) by introducing functional groups in PP and using
common alkylammonium MMT, and (b) by using neat/
unmodified PP and a semi-fluorinated surfactant
modification of the silicates.
5.3.2 PE/LS Nanocomposites

PE/LS nanocomposites have been prepared by the in
situ intercalative polymerisation of ethylene using the
so-called polymerisation filling technique (164).
Pristine MMT and hectorite were first treated with
trimethylaluminium-depleted methylaluminoxane
before a Ti-based constrained geometry catalyst was
attached. The nanocomposite was formed by addition
and polymerisation of ethylene. In the absence of a
chain transfer agent, ultra high molecular weight
24
polyethylene was produced. The tensile properties of

these nanocomposites were poor and essentially
independent of the nature and content of the silicate.
Adding hydrogen during ethylene polymerisation
decreased the molecular weight of the polyethylene
with parallel improvement of the mechanical
properties. The formation of exfoliated PE/LS
nanocomposites was established using WAXD and
TEM analyses. In another report, Heinemann and coworkers (334) prepared polyolefin/LS nanocomposites
using this method.
Maleic anhydride (MA) grafted polyethylene
(PE-MA)/LS nanocomposites were also prepared by the
melt intercalation technique (219). The extent of
exfoliation and intercalation completely depends on the
hydrophilicity of polyethylene grafted with MA and the
chain length of the organic modifier in the clay. When
the number of methylene groups in the alkylamine
(organic modifier) was larger than 16, exfoliated
nanocomposites were obtained. When the maleic
anhydride grafting level was higher than about 0.1 wt%
exfoliated nanocomposites were obtained, with the LS
modified with dimethyl dehydrogenated tallow
ammonium cation or octadecylammonium cation.
5.4 Speciality Polymers

In addition to the above mentioned conventional
polymers, several interesting developments have also
been taking place in the preparation of PLS
nanocomposites with some speciality polymers

including the N-hetrocyclic polymers like polypyrrole
(PPY) (69, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 397, a.46,
a.47), poly(N-vinylcarbazole) (PNVC) (336, 361), and
polyaromatics such as polyaniline (PANI) (166, 168,
243, 244, 253, 267, 291, 292, 306, 333), poly(pphenylene vinylene) (245, 328) and related polymers
(265). PNVC is well known for its high thermal stability
and characteristic optoelectronic properties. Some
research has also been initiated with liquid crystalline
polymer based nanocomposites (148, 285) and
hyperbranched polymers (HBP) (174).
arising from the dissociation of interlayer water

molecules coordinated to the exchangeable cations
(361). Yet, another possibility, especially with NVC,
was that the transition metal oxides (Fe2O 3/TiO2)
present in MMT could also lead to cationic initiation
of NVC. The same authors subsequently reported that
direct interaction of MMT with pyrrole (PY) led only
to ca. 5% yield of PPY in 3 hours while aniline (ANI)
could not be polymerised by MMT (a.47). According
to them, such a trend is possibly not surprising since
NVC is relatively more susceptible to cationic
polymerisation compared to the latter monomers (336).
5.4.1 PANI/LS Nanocomposites
5.5 Biodegradable Polymers
Nanocomposite formation was carried out by oxidative

polymerisation of aniline in a PY/MMT-water system
using FeCl3 and ammonium peroxodisulfate (306,
a.47), as oxidant respectively in two systems.
Recently, some groups have studied the preparation,

characterisation and materials properties of various
kinds of biodegradable polymers/LS nanocomposites
having properties suitable for a wide-range of
applications. So far biodegradable polymers used for
the preparation of nanocomposites are:
Kim and co-workers (333) used this method for the

preparation of PANI/MMT nanocomposite using
dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid (DBSA) and camphorsulfonic acid (CSA) as dopant. In a typical synthesis
method, Na+-MMT was first dispersed in an aqueous
medium and then sonicated by using an ultrasonic
generator. The DBSA or CSA dopants were dissolved
in distilled water and mixed with ANI monomer
solution at a 1:1 molar ratio; then, the emulsion
solutions were mixed in a 4-neck reactor by stirring
while the temperature was kept at 25 C. The oxidant
initiator, (NH4)2S2O8 solution was dropped into the
reactor. The WAXD analysis clearly indicated the
formation of intercalated nanocomposites.
polylactide (PLA) (9, 50, 54, 60, 64, 81, 110, 383,
a.4, a.48, a.49),
polybutylene succinate (PBS) (a.50-a.52),
PCL (88, 102, 124, 141, 152, 154, 378, 380, 398, 409),
unsaturated polyester (307, 360),
polyhydroxybutyrate (376) and
aliphatic polyester (122, 146, 153, 161, 257).
5.4.2 PNVC/LS Nanocomposites

5.5.1 PLA/LS Nanocomposites
Sinha Ray (361) first reported the preparation of
PNVC/MMT nanocomposites by direct polymerisation
of N-vinylcarbazole (NVC) (solid or in solution) in the
presence of MMT without the use of any free radical
initiator. Melt polymerisation of NVC in MMT (at 70 C)
as well as solution (in benzene) polymerisation of NVC
in the presence of MMT at 50 C resulted in the
formation of PNVC/MMT nanocomposite with
intercalated structure. On repeated benzene extraction
of prepared nanocomposites, intercalated PNVC could
not be removed, while all the surface-adsorbed PNVC
was extracted with benzene. WAXD analyses confirmed
intercalation of PNVC in MMT interlayer galleries.
The initiation in the NVC/MMT system was suggested
to be cationic involving Brnstrated acid sites in MMT
Sinha Ray and co-workers (a.48, a.49) first reported

the preparation of intercalated PLA/LS
nanocomposites. For PLA clay nanocomposites
(PLACNs) preparation C18-MMT and PLA were first
dry mixed by shaking them in a bag. The mixture was
then melt-extruded by using a twin-screw extruder
operated at 190 C to yield very light grey colour
strands of PLACNs. Nanocomposites loaded with a
very small amount of oligo-PCL as a compatibiliser
were also prepared in order to understand the effect of
oligo-PCL on the morphology and properties of
PLACNs (a.48). The compositions of various
nanocomposites of PLA with C18-MMT are
summarised in Table 7. Figure 17 shows the TEM
photographs of the nanocomposites corresponding to
25
Table 7 Composition and characteristic parameters of various PLACNs based on PLA, oligo-PCL
and C18-MMT
Composition, wt%
Sample
PLA
oligo-PCL
C18-MMTb
Mw 10-3
(g/mol)
Mw/Mn
Tg (C)
Tm (C)
c c (%)
PLACN1
97
3 [2.0]
178
1.81
60.0
169
50.65
PLACN2
95
5 [3.0]
185
1.86
60.0
170
39.01
PLACN3
93
7 [4.8]
177
1.69
59.8
170
43.66
PLACN4
94.8
0.2
5 [3.3]
181
1.76
58.6
170
41.47
PLACN5
94.5
0.5
5 [3.3]
181
1.76
57.6
169
32.91
PLACN6
93
2.0
5 [2.8]
180
1.76
54.0
168
PLACN7
92
3.0
5 [2.4]
181
1.77
51.0
168
PLAa
100
187
1.76
60.0
168
36.24
PLA1
99.8
0.2
180
1.76
58.0
168.5
46.21
PLA2
99.5
0.5
180
1.76
57.0
168.8
52.51
PLA3
98
2.0
180
1.76
54.7
169
a Mw and polydispersity index of extruded PLA (at 190 C) are 180 103 (g/mol) and 1.6 respectively.
b Value in the parenthesis indicates the amount of clay (inorganic part) content after burning.
c The degree of crystallinity.
(a)
(b)
2 m
(c)
2 m
(d)
500 nm
500 nm
Figure 17
TEM bright field images: (a) PLACN2 (x10000), (b) PLACN4 (x10000), (c) PLACN2 (x400000), and (d) PLACN4
(x40000). The dark entities are the cross sections of intercalated organoclay, and the bright areas are the matrices.
(Reprinted from (a.48), S. Sinha Ray et al., Macromolecules, 2002, 35, 3104, with permission from the
26
the WAXD patterns. On the basis of WAXD analyses

and TEM observation, Sinha Ray and co-workers
calculated form factors (see Table 8), i.e., average
length (L clay ) and thickness (dclay) of the stacked
intercalated silicate layers, and the correlation length
(clay) between them. These data clearly established that
silicate layers of the clay were intercalated and
randomly distributed in the PLA-matrix. Incorporation
of a very small amount of oligo-PCL as a compatibiliser
in the nanocomposites lead to a better parallel stacking
of the silicate layers and also much stronger
flocculation due to the hydroxylated edge-edge
interaction of the silicate layers. Owing to the
interaction between clay platelets and the PLA-matrix
in the presence of a very small amount of oligo-PCL,
the disk-disk interaction plays an important role in
determining the stability of the clay particles and hence
the enhancement of the mechanical properties of such
nanocomposites.
They prepared a series of PLACNs with various types

of OMLS in order to investigate the effect of OMLS
on the morphology (50, 54), properties and
biodegradability of PLACNs. Four different types of
pristine layered silicates were used and each of them
was modified with a different type of surfactant. Details
of the various types of organoclay used by them are
presented in Table 9. On the basis of WAXD analyses
and TEM observations, the authors concluded that four
different types of PLACNs were formed. Ordered
intercalated-and-flocculated nanocomposites were
obtained when ODA was used as organoclay, disordered
intercalated structure in the case of PLA/SBE4
nanocomposite, PLA/SAP4 nanocomposite was a near
to exfoliate nanocomposite, while co-existence of
stacked intercalated and exfoliated nanocomposite
structure was found with PLA/MEE4 nanocomposite.
So the nature of the OMLS has a strong effect on the
final morphology of PLA-based nanocomposites.
Table 8 Comparison of form factors between PLACN2 and PLACN4 obtained from WAXD
patterns and TEM observations
Form factors
PLACN2
PLACN4
d001 (nm)
3.03
2.98
dclay (nm)
13
10
dclay (nm)
38 17.25
30 12.5
Lclay (nm)
448 200
659 145
Lclay/dclay
12
22
clay (nm)
255 137
206 92
WAXD
TEM
Table 9 Specifications and designation of organoclay used for the preparation of PLACNs
Pristine clay
Particles
length (nm)
CEC
(mequiv/100 g)
Organic salt used for the

modification of clay
Suppliers
ODA
MMT
150-200
110
Octadecylammonium
cation
Nanocor Inc.,
USA
SBE
MMT
100-130
90
Trimethyloctadecylammonium cation
Hojun Yoko Co.,

Japan
MEE
Synthetic
F-mica
200-300
120
Dipolyoxyethylene
alkyl(coco)
methylammonium cation
CO-OP
Chemicals, Japan
SAP
Saponite
50-60
86.6
Tributylhexadecylphosphonium cation
CO-OP
Chemicals, Japan
Clay codes
27
In very recent work, Okamoto and Maiti (81) have

prepared a series of PLACNs with three different types
of pristine layered silicate such as saponite, MMT and
mica, and each of them were modified with
alkylphosphonium salts having various chain lengths.
In their work they first tried to find out the effect of
alkylphosphonium modifier of different chain lengths
on the properties of OMLS and how the different clays
behave having the same organic modifier. They also
looked at the effects of dispersion, intercalation, and
the aspect ratio of the clay on material properties.
From the WAXD patterns it is clearly observed that
the d-spacing (001) increases with increasing modifier
chain length and for a fixed modifier it increases with
increasing lateral dimension of the clay particle. Two
reasons were suggested for this type of behaviour:
one is the CEC value and the other is the lateral size
of various pristine layered silicates, and in both cases
layered silicates follow this order mica > MMT >
saponite. According to the authors, out of the two
factors, the former factor is more important in
controlling the d-spacing/stacking of silicate layers
than the latter. Since mica has high lateral size and
also has high amounts of surfactant molecules due to
its high CEC value, surfactant chains inside the
intergallery have restricted conformation due to
physical jamming. This physical jamming is said to
be smaller in the case of saponite due to its lower
CEC and smaller lateral size. Different types of
OMLS, based on TEM and WAXD analyses, are
schematically illustrated in Figure 18.
Another important factor is that the coherency of the
OMLS increases with increasing lateral dimension of
the clay. For one clay system, they reported that for
saponite with a different modifier, the coherency is
almost the same. It is evident that stacking of OMLS
increases with the dimension and CEC of the clay
and it is maximum in the case of mica. It is believed
that out of the two factors, the density of organomodification (CEC) plays the more important role in
determining the d-spacing/stacking of silicate layers.
5.5.2 PBS/Clay Nanocomposites

Polybutylene succinate (PBS) is an aliphatic
thermoplastic polyester with many interesting
properties, including biodegradability, melt
processability, and thermal and chemical resistance.
Although the above properties show potential
applications of PBS, some of the other properties such
as softness, gas barrier properties, flexural properties,
etc., are frequently not good enough for a wide range
of applications. Sinha Ray and Okamoto (a.50) first
reported the preparation of PBS/MMT
nanocomposites (PBSCNs) by simple melt extrusion
of PBS and OMLS, having properties suitable for a
wide range of applications. MMT modified with
octadecylammonium chloride was used as the
organoclay for nanocomposites preparation. In recent
publications (a.51, a.52), the same authors also
reported details of a study on structure-property
relationships for PBSCNs.
Very recently, Lee and co-workers (161) reported the
preparation of biodegradable aliphatic polyester
(APES)/OMLS nanocomposites using a melt
intercalation method. Two kinds of organoclays,
Cloisite 30B and Cloisite 10A, with different
ammonium cations located in the silicate galleries,
were chosen for nanocomposite preparation.
According to the authors, there may be more
hydrogen-bonding interaction between APES and
hydroxyl groups in the galleries of Cloisite 30B
nanocomposites than for the APES/Cloisite 10A
nanocomposites.
Figure 18
Schematic representation of organoclays with C16 ion
(Reprinted from (81), P. Maiti et al., Chem. Mater., 2002, 14, 4654, with permission from the
28
6 Properties of PLS Nanocomposite

Materials
6.1 Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA)
In the temperature dependence of storage modulus G
and loss factor tan of various polymer/clay
nanocomposites (PCNs) (such as PP/LS, PMMA/LS,
Nylon 6/LS, PBS/LS and PLA/LS), below the glass
transition region, samples exhibit high G and a
substantial drop in G with increasing temperature. G
in the glassy region below Tg is approximately
50-100% higher in the nanocomposite compared with
the blend systems without clays. The shift of tan
reaches to higher temperatures and decrease of the
value indicates an increase in nanocomposite Tg. In
some cases, the magnitude of the shift estimated by
tan is about 10 C or more (280). These results

indicate that the interaction between the polymer matrix
and silicate layers at the interface could suppress the
mobility in the polymer segments near the interface.
That is, intercalated nanocomposites are formed. The
large aspect ratio of the structural hierarchy on the
nanoscale level might lead to such large enhancement
in G throughout the glassy and rubbery region.
The temperature dependence of G, G and tan of
the PP/LS system (PPCNs) have been reported
(Figure 19) (227). For all PPCNs, there is a strong
enhancement of moduli in the investigated
temperature range, which indicates the plastic and the
elastic response of PP towards deformation is strongly
influenced by the presence of organoclay. Below the
Tg, the enhancement of G is clear in intercalated
PPCNs.
Figure 19
Temperature dependence of G, G and tan for PP-MA matrix and various PPCNs
29
Figure 20
Plots of GPPCN / GPP-MA vs. volume% of clay for PPCNs. The value of the Einstein coefficient (kE) is shown in
the box. The theoretical lines show the results calculated by Halpin-Tais expression with various kE.
The LS content dependence of G has also been reported

(Figure 20) (227). The ratio of GPPCN/GPP-MA, GPPCN
and GPP-MA are the moduli of the intercalated PPCNs
and the PP-MA, respectively. The large reinforcement
in G is observed in the figure. The essential factor
governing the enhancement of mechanical properties
is the aspect ratio of the dispersed silicate particles.
According to Halpin and Tais theoretical expression
on the enhancement of G (419), the Einstein coefficient
(kE) was estimated by selecting an appropriate value
for best fit to the experimentally obtained GPPCN/
GPP-MA versus volume fraction of the clay plots. The
estimated values of kE are about 60 for PPCN4, and
about 31 for PPCN2 and PPCN7.5. In the intercalated
PPCNs, the explanation for the enhancement of G by
only the kE factor as discussed in previous case of PPMA/LS nanocomposites (286) is hampered because
each PPCN exhibits a different value of kE, despite the
different silicate content. In the case of intercalated
PPCNs, the enhancement of G is due to both the degree
of the intercalation and the aspect ratio of the dispersed
clay particles.
The two dimensional aspect ratio of the dispersed silicate
(clay) particles L clay /d clay estimated from TEM
observation are reported to be 37 for PPCN2, 20 for
PPCN4 and 12 for PPCN7.5. In PPCN4, despite the
lower value of Lclay/dclay compared to PPCN2 and low
addition of the clay compared to PPCN7.5, this
30
nanocomposite shows the highest value of kE, suggesting

that much higher efficiency of the intercalation for the
reinforcement is attained. Similar results were also
reported in PBS/LS nanocomposites (a.50).
The remarkable improvement in G related to the strong
interaction between matrix and organoclay was clearly
observed in the case of Nylon 6/LS nanocomposites
by the author. Table 10 represents the temperature
dependence of G and the thermal expansion coefficient
() of the Nylon 6 matrix and various nanocomposites
(N6CNs). The results of the dynamic temperature ram
test for neat Nylon 6 and various N6CNs are shown.
All N6CNs show very high increment of moduli at all
temperature ranges.
The increment in G directly depends upon the aspect ratio
of dispersed clay particles. This is also clearly observed
in the case of PBSCNs. The temperature dependence of
the G of PBS and various PBSCNs have been reported
(a.51). The nature of the enhancement of G in PBSCNs
with temperature is somewhat different from wellestablished intercalated PPCNs (227) and well-known
exfoliated N6CN systems (415). In the latter system, there
is a maximum of 40-50% increment of G compared to
that of the matrix at well below Tg, and above Tg there is
a strong enhancement (>200%) in G. This behaviour is
common for nanocomposites tested so far, and the reason
is the strong reinforcement effect of the clay particles
Table 10 Summary of DMA test for Nylon 6 and various Nylon 6 clay nanocomposites (N6CNs)
under different temperature ranges
0 C
25 C
50 C
100 C
150 C
200 C
105 (cm/cm. C)
9.5
12
14
22
31
48
G (GPa)
1.04
0.94
0.52
0.16
0.11
0.065
a x 105 (cm/cm. C)
8.9
9.7
11
16
22
60
G/GPa
1.2
1.1
0.8
0.41
0.27
0.01
105 (cm/cm. C)
6.4
6.6
8.7
8. 5
14
67
G (GPa)
1.9
1.8
1.2
0.74
0.52
0.18
105 (cm/cm. C)
7.1
7.7
9.8
11
15
42
G (GPa)
1.4
1.3
0.95
0.56
0.38
0.14
Sample
Term
Nylon 6
N6CN1.6
N6CN3.7
N6CN4.4
above Tg when materials become soft. However, in the

case of PBSCNs, the order of enhancement of G is almost
the same below and above the Tg, and this behaviour may
be due to the extremely low Tg (-29 C) of the PBS matrix.
In the temperature range of -50 C to -10 C, the
increments in G are 18% for PBSCN1, 31% for PBSCN2,
67% for PBSCN3 and 167% for PBSCN4 compared to
that of neat PBS. Furthermore, at room temperature,
PBSCN3 and PBSCN4 show higher increments in G of
82% and 248%, respectively, compared with neat PBS,
while the G values of PBSCN1 and PBSCN2 are 18.5%
and 44% higher. At 90 C, only PBSCN4 exhibits a very

strong enhancement of G compared to that of the other
three PBSCNs.
In Figure 21, Okamoto summarised the clay content
dependence of G of various types of nanocomposites
obtained well below the Tg. The Einstein coefficient, kE
derived by using Halpin and Tais theoretical expression
modified by Nielsen is shown in the Figure, and
represents the aspect ratio (Lclay/dclay) of dispersed clay
(silicate) particles without intercalation. From this
Figure 21
Plots of Gnanocomposite / Gmatrix vs. volume% of clay for various nanocomposites. The Einstein coefficient (kE) is
shown as the number in the box. The lines show the calculated results from Halpin and Tais theory with various kE.
31
Figure 22
Formation of hydrogen bonds between PBS and clay, which leads to the flocculation of the dispersed silicate layers.
(Adapted from (a.9), S. Shinha Ray. et al., Macromolecules, 2003, 36, 2355, with permission from the
Figure, it is clearly observed that PBSCNs show very

high increment in G compared to other nanocomposites
having the same content of clay in the matrix.
PPCNs are well known for intercalated systems, N6CNs
are well-established exfoliated nano-composites,
PLACNs
are
intercalated-and-flocculated
nanocomposites, while PBSCNs are intercalated-andextended flocculated nanocomposite systems (a.51,
a.52). Due to the strong interaction between hydroxylated
edge-edge groups, the clay particles are sometimes
flocculated in the polymer matrix. As a result of this
flocculation the length of the silicate particles increases
enormously and hence the overall aspect ratio. For the
preparation of high molecular weights PBS,
di-isocyanate end-groups are generally used as a chain
extender. These isocyanate end-groups chain extenders
make urethane bonds with hydroxy terminated low
molecular weight PBS, and each high molecular weight
PBS chain contains two such bonds. These urethane type
bonds lead to strong interaction with the silicate surface
by forming hydrogen bonds and hence strong
flocculation (see Figure 22). For this reason, the aspect
ratio of dispersed clay particles is much higher in the
case of PBSCNs compared to all nanocomposites, and
hence the high enhancement of modulus.
formation of exfoliated nanocomposites, exhibit a

drastic increase in the tensile properties at rather low
filler content. The main reason for the drastic
improvement of modulus in the case of N6CNs is the
strong interaction between the matrix and silicate layers
via the formation of hydrogen bonds as shown in
Figure 23.
The effect of MMT content and Nylon 6 molecular
weight on the tensile modulus of nanocomposites
prepared using MMT modified with (HE)2M1R1 has been
reported (85, 211). The addition of OMLS leads to
substantial improvement in stiffness for the composites
based on each of the three Nylon 6 types, e.g., LMW,
MMW and HMW. Interestingly, the stiffness increases
with increasing matrix molecular weight at any given
6.2 Tensile Properties

The tensile modulus of a polymeric material expressing
the stiffness has shown to be remarkably improved
when nanocomposites are formed with layered silicates.
N6CNs prepared through the intercalative ring opening
polymerisation of -caprolactam, leading to the
32
Figure 23
Schematic illustration of the formation of hydrogen
bonds in Nylon 6/MMT nanocomposite
Table 11 Mechanical properties of some Nylon 6/(HE)2M1R1 nanocomposites

Modulus
(GPa)
Yield Strength
(MPa)
Straina
(%)
Elongation at break (%)

Crosshead speed
(0.51 cm/min)
Izod impact
strength (J/m)
0.0 wt% MMT
2.82
69.2
4.0
232
36.0
3.2 wt% MMT
3.65
78.9
3.5
12
32.3
6.4 wt% MMT
4.92
83.6
2.2
2.4
32.0
0.0 wt% MMT
2.71
70.2
4.0
269
39.3
3.1 wt% MMT
3.66
86.6
3.5
81
38.3
7.1 wt% MMT
5.61
95.2
2 .4
2.5
39.3
0.0 wt% MMT
2.75
69.7
4.0
3.4
43.9
3.2 wt% MMT
3.92
84.9
3.3
119
44.7
7.2 wt% MMT
5.70
97.6
2.6
4.1
46.2
N6/(HE)2M1R1
Nanocomposites
LMW
MMW
HMW
a Strain
at yield point measured during modulus and yield strength testing using a crosshead speed of 0.51 cm/min.
Reprinted from (211), T.D. Fornes et al., Polymer, 2001, 42, 9929, with permission from Elsevier Science Ltd.
concentration even though the moduli of the neat

Nylon 6 types are all quite similar. In Table 11 the
moduli and other mechanical properties of the virgin
materials and selected (HE) 2 M 1 R 1 Nylon 6/LS
nanocomposites are summarised. The slightly larger
modulus of 2.82 GPa for LMW may be due to the result
of a higher degree of crystallinity - the result of faster
crystallisation kinetics during the cooling of the
specimen during injection moulding.
Figure 24 shows an Instron tensile test study of a neatPP/f-MMT (modified by alkyltrichlorosilane) composite
compared to a PP/2C18-MMT conventional composite
(205). There is a sharp increase of tensile modulus for a
very small clay loading (= 3 wt%) followed by a much
slower increase beyond a clay loading of 4 wt%, and
this is the characteristic behaviour of PLS
nanocomposites. With increased clay content, the
strength does not change markedly compared to the neatPP value and there is only a small decrease in the
maximum strain at break. PP systems (conventionally
filled, no nanometer-level dispersion, by similar fillers)
do not exhibit as strong improvement in their tensile
modulus. On the other hand, as the PP/LS interaction is
improved as for example when MA functional groups
are incorporated in the polymer, the stress is much more
effectively transferred from the polymer matrix to the
inorganic filler, and thus a higher increase in tensile

properties is expected. The modulus of PPCNs
systematically increases with increasing clay content.
The tensile strength also increases with increasing clay
content up to 4 wt%, then levels off.
In a recent study by Reichert and co-workers (319), a
systematic study of the dependencies on compatibiliser
functionality and organic modification revealed that
considerable tensile properties enhancement could be
achieved only when appropriate PP-MA compatibilisers
are used to pretreat the OMLS in conjugation with
specific organic modification of the MMTs.
6.3 Flexural Properties and Heat Distortion

Temperature
Sinha Ray and co-workers (54) reported the results of
measurement of the flexural properties of neat PLA
and various PLACNs. They conducted flexural
properties measurements with injection-moulded
samples according to the ASTM D-790 method.
Table 12 shows the flexural modulus, flexural strength,
and distortion at break of neat PLA and various
PLACNs measured at 25 C. There is a significant
33
Figure 24
Tensile characterisation of PP/f-MMT nanocomposites () by Instron tensile test. For comparison,
conventionally filled PP/2C18-MMT macro composites are also shown ( ).
(Reprinted from (205), E. Manias et al., Chem. Mater., 2001, 13, 3516, with permission from the
Table 12 Comparison of materials properties between neat PLA and various PLACNs prepared
with trimethyl octadecylammonium modified MMT
Properties
PLA
PLACN4
PLACN5
PLACN7
Bending modulus (GPa)
4.8
5.5
5.6
5.8
Bending strength (MPa)
86
134
122
105
Distortion at break (%)
1.9
3.1
2.6
34
increase in flexural modulus for PLACN4 compared

to that of neat PLA followed by a much slower increase
with increasing OMLS content, and a maximum of 21%
in the case of PLACN7. On the other hand, flexural
strength and distortion at break are remarkably
increased with PLACN4 then gradually decrease with
organoclay loading. According to the author this
behaviour may be due to a high organoclay content
leading to brittleness of materials.
by the formation of hydrogen bonds (see Figure 23).

Although Nylon 6 in nanocomposites stabilises in a
different crystal phase (-phase) to that found in pure
Nylon 6, this different crystal phase is not responsible
for the higher mechanical properties of Nylon 6/LS
nanocomposites because the -phase is a very soft
crystal phase. The increase in mechanical properties
of NCH with increasing clay content is due to the
mechanical reinforcement effect.
The heat distortion temperature (HDT) of a polymeric

material is an index of heat resistance under applied
load. Most of the PLS nanocomposites studies reported
HDT as a function of clay content, characterised by
ASTM D-648. Kojima and co-workers (414) showed
that the HDT of pure Nylon 6 increases up to 80 C
after PLS nanocomposite preparation with MMT. In
their further work (416) they reported the clay content
dependence of HDT of nylon/clay hybrid (NCH). In
the case of NCH there is a marked increase in HDT,
from 65 C for the neat Nylon 6 to 150 C for 4.7 wt%
nanocomposite. Beyond that wt% of MMT, the HDT
of nanocomposite levels off. They also conducted HDT
tests on various NCHs prepared with clay having
different lengths and found that HDT also depends upon
the aspect ratio of the dispersed clay particles (414).
Sinha Ray and co-workers examined the HDT of neat

PLA and various PLA/LS nanocomposites (PLACNs)
under different load conditions. As seen in
Figure 25(a) (54), there is a marked increase of HDT
with intermediate load of 0.98 MPa, from 76 C for
the neat PLA to 98 C for PLACN4 (inorganic content
= 3 wt%). The value of HDT gradually increases with
increasing organoclay content, and in the case of
PLACN7 (inorganic content = 5 wt%), the value
increases up to 111 C.
Because the degree of crystallinity of Nylon 6/LS

nanocomposite is independent of the amount and nature
of the layered silicate (clay), the HDT of Nylon 6/LS
nanocomposite is due to the presence of strong
interaction between the matrix and the silicate surface
On the other hand, imposed load dependence of HDT

is clearly observed in the case of PLACNs. Figure
25(b) shows the typical load dependence in the case
of PLACN7. The increase of HDT of neat PLA in the
nanocomposite preparation is a very important
property improvement, not only from the industrial
point of view but also because of molecular control
on the silicate layers, that is, crystallisation through
interaction between PLA molecules and SiO 4
tetrahedral layers in the MMT. In the case of high
load (1.81 MPa), it is very difficult to achieve high
Figure 25
(a) Organoclay (wt%) dependence of HDT of neat PLA and various PLACNs. (b) Load dependence of HDT of
neat PLA and PLACN7
(Reprinted from (54), S. Sinha Ray et al., Polymer, 2003, 44, 857, with permission from Elsevier Science Ltd.)
35
HDT enhancement without strong interaction between

the polymer matrix and the OMLS (MMT) (414). In
the case of all PLACNs studied here, the values of
the melting temperature (Tm) do not change
significantly as compared to that of neat PLA. So the
improvement of HDT with intermediate load (0.98
MPa) originates from the better mechanical stability
of the PLACNs due to mechanical reinforcement by
the dispersed clay particles, higher value of the degree
of crystallinity (c) and intercalation. This is
qualitatively different from the behaviour of the NCH
system, where the MMT layers stabilise in a different
crystalline phase (-phase) (416) than that found in
the neat Nylon 6, with strong hydrogen bondings
between the silicate layers and Nylon 6 as a result of
the discrete lamellar structure on both sides of the
dispersed clay particles (see Figure 23).
6.4 Thermal Stability

The thermal stability of polymeric materials is usually
studied by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
Generally the incorporation of silicate in the polymer
matrix enhances the thermal stability by acting as a
superior insulator and mass transport barrier to the
volatile products generated during decomposition.
Blumstein (a.53) first reported the improved thermal
stability of a PLS nanocomposite that combined PMMA
and MMT. He showed that PMMA intercalated (dspacing increase of 0.76 nm) between the galleries of
MMT clay resisted thermal degradation under
conditions that would otherwise completely degrade
pure PMMA. These PMMA nanocomposites were
prepared by free radical polymerisation of MMA
intercalated in the clay. TGA data reveals that both
linear PMMA and crosslinked PMMA intercalated into
MMT layers have a 40-50 C higher decomposition
temperature. Blumstein argues that the stability of the
PMMA nanocomposite is due not only to its different
structure but also to the restricted thermal motion of
the PMMA in the gallery.
There are lots of reports regarding the improved thermal
stability of nanocomposites prepared with various types
of OMLS and polymer matrices (359, a.54).
Zanetti and co-workers (192) conducted detailed TG
analyses of nanocomposites based on EVA. The
deacylation of EVA in nanocomposites is accelerated
and may occur at temperatures lower than those for
the pure polymer or corresponding microcomposite due
to catalysis by the strongly acid sites created by thermal
decomposition of the silicate modifier. These sites are
active when there is an intimate contact between the
36
polymer and the silicate. Slowing down of the

volatilisation of the deacylated polymer in nitrogen may
be due to the labyrinth effect of the silicate layers in
the polymer matrix (169, 264, 308). In air, the
nanocomposite shows a significant delay of weight loss
that may derive from the barrier effect to diffusion of
both the volatile thermo-oxidation products and oxygen
from the gas phase to the polymer. According to Gilman
and co-workers this barrier effect increases during
volatilisation owing to ablative reassembly of the
reticular of the silicate on the surface (a.55). Many
researchers believe that the role of clay in the
nanocomposite structure might be the main reason for
the difference in TGA results of these systems
compared to other reported systems.
The dispersed clay particles act as a heat barrier, which
could enhance the overall thermal stability of the
system, as well as assisting in the formation of char
after thermal decomposition. Thereby, in the beginning
stage of thermal decomposition, the clay could shift
the decomposition temperature higher. However, after
that, this heat barrier effect would result in a reversed
thermal stability. In other words, the stacked silicate
layers could hold accumulated heat that could be used
as a heat source to accelerate the decomposition
process, in conjunction with the heat flow supplied by
the outside heat source.
6.5 Fire Retardant Properties

The Cone calorimeter is the most effective bench-scale
method for studying the fire retardant properties of
polymeric materials. Fire-relevant properties, measured
by the Cone calorimeter, such as heat release rate
(HRR), peak HRR, and smoke and CO yield, are vital
to the evaluation of the fire safety of materials. Gilman
reviewed the flame retardant properties of
nanocomposites in detail (178, 261, 303, a.56).
Table 13 shows the cone calorimeter data of three
different kinds of polymer and their nanocomposites
with MMT. From this table we can see that all MMTbased nanocomposites reported here show reduced
flammability. Peak HRR is reduced by 50-75% for
Nylon 6, PS and PP-MA nanocomposites (303). The
MMT must be nano-dispersed for it to affect the
flammability of the nanocomposites. The layered
silicate, however, need not be completely delaminated
for it to affect the flammability of the nanocomposite.
In general, the nanocomposites flame retardant
mechanism is that a high-performance carbonaceoussilicate char builds up on the surface during burning;
this insulates the underlying material and slows the
mass loss rate of decomposition products.
Table 13 Cone calorimeter data of various polymers and their nanocomposites with organoclay
Sample (structure)
% residue
yield
( 0.5)
Peak HRR Mean HRR

(kW/m2)
(kW/m2)
(
%)
(
%)
Mean Hc
(MJ/Kg)
Mean SEA
(m2/kg)
Mean CO
yield
(kg/kg)
Nylon 6
1010
603
27
197
0.01
N6 nanocomposite 2%
(delaminated)
686 (32)
390 (35)
27
271
0.01
N6 nanocomposite 5%
(delaminated)
378 (63)
304 (50)
27
296
0.02
PS
1120
703
29
1460
0.09
PS-silicate mix 3%
(immiscible)
1080
715
29
1840
0.09
PS-nanocomposite 3%
(intercalated/delaminated)
567 (48)
444 (38)
27
1730
0.08
PS/DBDPO/Sb2O3) 30%
491(56)
318 (54)
11
2580
0.14
PP-MA
1525
536
39
704
0.02
PP-MA nanocomposite 2%
450 (70)
322 (40)
44
1028
0.02
PP-MA nanocomposite 4%
12
381 (75)
275 (49)
44
968
0.02
Heat flux, 35 Kw/m2. Hc, specific heat of combustion; SEA, specific extinction area; DBDPO decabromodiphenyl
oxide. Peak heat release rate, mass loss rate, and SEA data, measured at 35 kW/m2, are reproducible to within 10%.
The carbon monoxide and heat of combustion data are reproducible to within 15%.
Reprinted from (303), J.W. Gilman et al., Chem. Mater., 2000, 12, 1866, with permission from the American
Chemical Society.
6.6 Gas Barrier Properties

Nanoclays are believed to increase gas barrier
properties by creating a maze or tortuous path (see
Figure 26) that retards the progress of the gas
molecules through the matrix resin. The direct benefit
of the formation of this type of path is clearly observed
in polyimide/LS nanocomposites, which show
dramatically improved barrier properties with a
simultaneous decrease in thermal expansion
coefficient (377, 410).
The O 2 gas permeability has been measured for
exfoliated PLA/synthetic mica nanocomposites
prepared by Sinha Ray and Yamada (9). The relative
permeability coefficient value, i.e., P PLACN/P PLA
where P PLACN and PPLA stand for the nanocomposite
and pure PLA permeability coefficient, respectively,
has been plotted as a function of the wt% of clay.
The curve fitting has been achieved by using the
Nielsen theoretical expression (a.57) allowing the
prediction of gas permeability as a function of the

length and width of the filler particles as well as their
volume fraction within the PLA-matrix (see
Figure 27).
In the Nielsen model, if platelets of length ( Lclay) and
width ( Dclay) of the clay are dispersed parallel in the
polymer matrix, then the tortuosity factor () can be
expressed as
= 1+ (Lclay/2Dclay)clay
where clay is the volume fraction of dispersed clay
particles. Therefore, the relative permeability
coefficient (PPLS-nano/PNeat) is given by
PPLS-nano/PNeat = -1 = 1/[1+ (Lclay/2Dclay) clay]
where PPLS-nano and PNeat are the permeability coefficient
of PLS-nano and neat polymer, respectively.
37
Figure 26
Formation of tortuous path in polymer/clay nanocomposites
Figure 27
Oxygen gas permeability of neat PLA and various PLACNs as a function of organoclay content measured at
20 C and 90% relative humidity. The filled circles represent the experimental data. Theoretical fits based on
Nielsen tortuousity model.
(Reprinted from (9), S. Shinha Ray. et al., Chem. Mater., 2003, 15, 1456, with permission from the
The H 2 O-vapour permeability for PUU/LS

nanocomposites is presented by Manias and coworkers in terms of P c /P o, i.e., the permeability
coefficient of the nanocomposite (Pc) relative to that
of the neat PUU (P o) (270). The nanocomposite
formation results in a dramatic decrease in H2Ovapour transmission through the PUU sheet. The
mechanism was based in the tortuosity model for
aspect ratios of 300 and 1000. A comparison between
the experimental values and the theoretical model
prediction suggests a gradual change in the effective
aspect ratio of the filler (Lclay/Dclay).
38
6.7 Ionic Conductivity

Solvent-free electrolytes are of much interest because
of their charge-transport mechanism and their possible
applications in electrochemical devices. On this basis,
Vaia and co-workers (402) have considered the
preparation of polyethylene oxide (PEO)/LS
nanocomposites to fine tune the ionic conductivity of
PEO. An intercalated nanocomposite prepared by melt
intercalation of PEO (40 wt%) into Li+-MMT (60 wt%)
has been shown to enhance the stability of the ionic
conductivity at lower temperatures when compared to
a more conventional PEO/LiBF 4 mixture. This

improvement in conductivity is explained by the fact
that PEO is not able to crystallise when intercalated,
hence eliminating the presence of crystallites, which
are non-conductive in nature. The higher conductivity
at room temperature compared to conventional PEO/
LiBF 4 electrolytes with a single ionic conductor
character makes these nanocomposites new promising
electrolyte materials. The same type of behaviour in
ionic conductivity is also observed in the case of
polybis(methoxy-ethoxy) ethoxy phosphazene/Na+MMT nanocomposites as prepared by Hutchison and
co-workers (387).
Okamoto and co-workers (280) have reported a
correlation between internal structure and ionic
conductivity behaviour of PMMA/LS and PS/LS
nanocomposites having various dispersed morphology
of the clay layers by using an impedance analyser in
the temperature range of 90-150 C. The
nanocomposites having finer dispersion of the clay
layers, exhibit higher ionic conductivity than the other
systems such as PMMA/LS nanocomposite with
stacking layer structure. The activation energy of the
conductivity in finer dispersed morphology systems
becomes larger than the other systems and the
corresponding OMLS solids.
6.8 Optical Transparency

Manias and co-workers have reported the UV/visible
transmission spectra of pure PVA and PVA/Na+-MMT
nanocomposites with 4 and 10 wt% MMT (299). The
spectra show that the visible region is not affected at
all by the presence of the silicate layers and retains the
high transparency of the PVA. For the UV wavelengths,
there is strong scattering and/or absorption, resulting
in very low transmission of the UV light.
6.9 Biodegradability
Another most interesting and exciting aspect of
nanocomposite technology is the significant
improvements of biodegradability of biodegradable
polymers after nanocomposite preparation with OMLS.
There is a need for the development of green polymeric
materials that would not use toxic or noxious
components in their manufacture, and could be
degraded in the natural environment or easily recycled.
Aliphatic polyesters are among the most promising
materials for the production of environmentally friendly
biodegradable plastics. Biodegradation of aliphatic

polyester is well known, in that some bacteria degrade
them by producing enzymes, which attack the polymer.
Tetto (338) first reported some results about the
biodegradability of nanocomposites based on PCL,
where the authors found that the PCL/LS
nanocomposites showed improved biodegradability
compared to pure PCL. According to them, the
improved biodegradability of PCL after nanocomposite
formation may be due to the catalytic role of the OMLS
in the biodegradation mechanism. But it is still unclear
how the clay increases the biodegradation rate of PCL.
Sinha Ray and Okamoto (54) first reported the
biodegradability of neat PLA and corresponding
nanocomposites prepared with trimethyl
octadecylammonium modified MMT (C3C18-MMT).
Compost was prepared from food waste and tests were
carried out at a temperature of 58 2 C. Figure 28
shows photographs of the recovered samples of neat
PLA and PLACN4 (C3C18-MMT = 4 wt%) from
compost with time. The decreased Mw and residual
weight percentage (Rw) of the initial test samples with
time are reported in Figure 29.
The biodegradability of neat PLA is significantly
enhanced after PCN preparation. Within one month,
both the extent of Mw decrease and the extent of weight
loss are almost at the same level for both PLA and
PLACN4. After one month, however, a sharp change
occurs in the weight loss of PLACN4, and within two
months it is completely degraded in compost. The
degradation of PLA in compost is a complex process
involving four main phenomena, namely: water
absorption, ester cleavage and formation of oligomer
fragments, solubilisation of oligomer fragments, and
finally removal of soluble oligomers by bacteria (a.58).
Therefore, the factor which increases the hydrolysis
tendency of PLA, ultimately controls the degradation
of PLA. The presence of terminal hydroxylated edge
groups on the silicate layers may be one of the factors
responsible for this behaviour. In the case of PLACN4,
the stacked (~ 4 layers) and intercalated silicate layers
are homogeneously dispersed in the PLA matrix (as
determined from TEM images). These hydroxy groups
start heterogeneous hydrolysis of the PLA matrix after
absorbing water from compost. This process takes some
time to start. For this reason, the weight loss and degree
of hydrolysis of PLA and PLACN4 is almost the same
up to one month (see Figure 29). However, after one
month there is a sharp weight loss in the case of
PLACN4 compared to that of PLA. That means that
one month is a critical time to the start of heterogeneous
hydrolysis, and due to this type of hydrolysis the matrix
becomes very small fragments and disappears with the
39
Figure 28
Photographic records of the biodegradability of neat PLA and PLACN4 recovered from compost with time.
Initial shape of the crystallised samples was 3 x 10 x 0.1 cm3
Figure 29
Time dependence of residual weight (Rw) and of matrix Mw of PLA and PLACN4 under compost at 58 2 C
compost. This assumption was confirmed by

conducting the same type of experiment with PLACN
prepared by using dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium salt
40
modified synthetic mica which has no terminal

hydroxylated edge groups: the degradation tendency
was almost the same as with neat PLA (a.59).
6.10 Crystallisation
6.10.1 Spherulite Growth
Crystallisation of PLS nanocomposites might be a good
tool for controlling the structure of nanocomposites and
thereby the various properties.
Maiti and co-workers (158) have reported an example
of the time variation of the diameter of the spherulite
(D) for PP-MA and PP/LS nanocomposites (PPCNs)
at 135 C (see Figure 30). A linear growth of D is
seen in a range of time (t) scale for PP-MA, PPCN2
and PPCN7.5. The linear growth rate G (= 1/2(dD/
dt)), defined as the initial slope of the plots, slightly
increases with increasing clay content. From the
extrapolation of D versus t plots, we estimated the
onset time (t0), which corresponds to the induction
time of the crystallisation. The t0 of both PPCNs
decreases with silicate (clay) content compared to the
PP-MA matrix without clay. The reduction of t0 in
the PPCNs is attributed to the nature of the clay as
the nucleating agent. For PPCNs, G shows almost the
same value compared to PP-MA without clay. In spite
of the increase in clay content, the dispersed clay
particles do not have much effect on the crystallisation
and there is no big acceleration of G in the
Figure 30
Spherulitic diameter as a function of crystallisation
time at Tc = 130.0 C. The arrow indicates the
induction time of crystallisation for PP-MA.
(Reprinted from (158), P. Maiti et al.,
Macromolecules, 2002, 35, 2042, with permission
from the American Chemical Society)
crystallisation of the PPCNs. In the changes in t0 with

crystallisation temperature (Tc), the PPCNs show
remarkably short times especially at high T c ,
suggesting that the dispersed clay particles have some
contribution to enhance the nucleation. The primary
nucleation density of the spherulites, i.e., the number
of heterogeneous nuclei N was given by:
N = (3/4 ) (Dm/2)-3
where Dm is the maximum diameter of the spherulite,
i.e., the attainable diameter before impingement. The
calculated values of N at 130 C were 4 10-8 for
PP-MA, 50 10-8 for PPCN2 and 200 10-8 m-3
for PPCN7.5, respectively. The time variation of the
volume fraction of the spherulites increases in
proportion to NG3 ( overall crystallisation rate).
This fact suggests that the overall crystallisation
rates of the PPCNs are about one or two orders of
magnitude higher than that of matrix PP-MA without
clay.
6.10.2 Effect of Intercalation on Enhancement of

Dynamic Modulus
According to Khares prediction (382), the
confinement of polymer chains increases the viscosity
and mechanical properties of the system significantly.
One can expect some difference in mechanical
properties with the change of the degree of
intercalation in the PPCNs vis--vis the clay content
and Tc (see Table 14). It is clear from the table that
for a particular Tc, G increases with increasing clay
content. The PP-MA crystallised at 130 C exhibits a
9.9% increase in G compared to the sample
crystallised at 70 C. The PPCN7.5 and PPCN 4 show
13.3% and 30.6% increases, respectively, in the same
conditions. The effect of Tc on the G is in the order
of PP-MA < PPCN7.5 < PPCN4. It may be recalled
that the Tc dependence of d(0001) showed the order of
intercalation PPCN7.5 < PPCN4. This implies that
much higher efficiency of the intercalation for the
reinforcement is attained in the PPCN4. For PPCN2,
owing to the partial exfoliation, the degree of
intercalation decreases and hence the modulus
decreases compared to the low Tc condition (=70 C).
Here, it should be mentioned that the crystallinity
increases a little bit with increasing Tc for both
PP-MA and PPCNs and the extent is almost the same
for all the systems. So, it is believed that not the
crystallinity but the degree of intercalation affects the
storage modulus.
41
Table 14 Dynamic storage modulus of PP-MA and PPCNs at T=50 C, crystallised at different
temperatures
System
Tc (C)
G 10-8 (Pa)
% increase
PP-MA
70
130
2.92
3.21
9.9
PPCN2
70
130
4.79
4.50
PPCN4
70
130
5.16
6.74
30.6
PPCN7.5
70
130
7.49
8.49
13.3
Reprinted from (158), P. Maiti et al., Macromolecules, 2002, 35, 2042, with permission from the American
Chemical Society.
6.10.3 Crystallisation Controlled by Silicate

Surfaces
The formation of the -form of Nylon in the presence of
clay in the Nylon 6/MMT hybride (NCH) system is well
known (416). The essential difference between the form and -form is the molecular packing; in the form hydrogen bondings are formed between antiparallel
chains, while the molecular chains have to twist away
from the zigzag planes to form the hydrogen bonds
among the parallel chains in the -form giving rise to
lesser inter-chain interaction as compared to the -form.
The lamellar morphology and distribution of clay
particles in NCH (N6CN3.7) (MMT=3.7 wt%),
crystallised at 170 and 210 C, has been reported by
Okamoto and Maiti (a.60) and is shown in Figure 31.
The white strips (Figure 31(a)) represent the discrete
lamellar pattern, and after a close look, a black clay
particle inside the lamella is clearly observed. In other
words, lamellar growth occurs on both sides of the clay
particles, i.e., the dispersed clay particle is sandwiched
by the formed lamellae. This is a unique observation
of lamellar orientation on the clay layers. In the semicrystalline polymer generally stacked lamellar
orientation is found. The lamellar pattern at high Tc
(Figure 31(b)) is similar but along with the sandwiched
structure, branched lamellae are formed which originate
from the parent sandwiched lamellae. There are no clay
particles found inside the branch lamellae and the phase having irregular chain packing with distortion
(*-phase) is formed as revealed by WAXD, this is only
observed in high Tc crystallised nanocomposites. This
epitaxial growth (*-phase) on the parent lamella forms
the shish-kebab type of structure, which enhances the
mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. It has
42
to be remembered that Nylon 6 has the highest

capability of forming hydrogen bonding to form
hydrogen-bonded sheet. Pseudohexagonal packing is
favoured with hydrogen-bonding between the silicate
layers and Nylon 6, as a result the induction time of
N6CN3.7 becomes very short, as compared to neat
Nylon 6. Once one molecular layer is nucleated on
the clay surface, other molecules may form hydrogenbonds on the molecule already hydrogen-bonded to
the silicate surface giving rise to the discrete lamellar
structure on both sides of the clay. This unique
mechanism can well explain the higher crystallisation
rate of PLS nanocomposites along with the
morphology and developed internal structure. This
sandwich structure (each silicate layer is covered by
polymer crystals) makes the system very rigid, as a
result the HDT increases up to 80 C, but the
surrounding excess amorphous part (lower
crystallinity of N6CN3.7 as compared to neat
Nylon 6) can easily retain the polymeric properties
like impact strength, which ultimately makes PLS
nanocomposites an improved system.
7 Melt Rheology
7.1 Linear Viscoelastic Properties
The rheological properties of in situ polymerised
nanocomposites with end-tethered polymer chains were
first described by Krisnamoorti and Giannelis (378).
The flow behaviour of PCL- and Nylon 6-based
nanocomposites differs considerably from that of the
corresponding neat matrices, whereas the
(a)
100 nm
Enlarged view of one

particular lamella
(b)
100 nm
Figure 31
TEM micrographs of N6CN3.7 crystallised at (a) 170 C and (b) 210 C. The black strip inside the white part is
clay. Figure (b) shows the typical shish-kebab type of structure.
thermorheological properties of the nanocomposites

were entirely determined by the behaviour of the
matrices. The slope of storage modulus G() and loss
modulus G() versus the frequency aT() is much
smaller than 2 and 1, respectively. Values of 2 and 1
are expected for linear homodispersed polymer melts,
and large deviations, especially in the presence of very
small amounts of layered silicate loading, may be due
to the formation of network structures in the molten
state. However, such nanocomposites based on the in
situ polymerisation technique exhibit fairly broad
molecular mass distribution of the polymer matrix,
which hides the structure relevant information and
impedes the interpretation of the results.
Up to this date, the melt state linear dynamic oscillatory

shear properties of various kinds of nanocomposites have
been examined for a wide range of polymer matrices
including: Nylon 6 with various matrix molecular weights
(85), PS-PI block copolymers (133, 317), PCL (141), PP
(262), PLA (54, a.48) and PBS (360, a.51, a.52).
The linear dynamic viscoelastic master curves for the
neat PLA and various PLACNs are shown in Figure 32
(54). The linear dynamic viscoelastic master curves
were generated by applying the time-temperature
superposition principle and shifted to a common
temperature Tref using both frequency shift factor aT
and modulus shift factor bT.
43
expressed by the power law of G() 2 and G()

for neat PLA, suggesting that this is similar to
the narrow Mw distribution homopolymer melts. On
the other hand, for aT < 5 rad.s-1, viscoelastic response
(particularly G()) for all the nanocomposites
displays significantly diminished frequency
dependence as compared to the matrices. In fact, for
all PLACNs, G() becomes nearly independent at
low aT and exceeds the G(), characteristic of
materials exhibiting a pseudo-solid like behaviour
(378). The terminal zone slope values of both neat
PLA and PLACNs are estimated at a lower aT region
(< 10 rad.s-1) (54). The lower slope values and the
higher absolute values of the dynamic moduli indicate
the formation of spatially-linked structure in the
PLACNs under the molten state. Because of this
structure of highly geometric constraints, the
individual stacked silicate layers are incapable of
freely rotating and hence by imposing small aT, the
relaxations of the structure are prevented almost
completely. This type of prevented relaxation due to
the highly geometric constraints of the stacked and
intercalated silicate layers leads to the presence of
the pseudo-solid like behaviour as observed in
PLACNs. This behaviour probably corresponds to the
shear-thinning tendency, which strongly appears in
the viscosity curves (aT < 5 rad.s-1) (| * | versus
aT). Such features strongly depended on the shear
rate in the dynamic measurement because of the
formation of the shear-induced alignment of the
dispersed clay particles (a.61).
Figure 32
Reduced frequency dependence of storage modulus,
loss modulus and complex viscosity of neat PLA
and various PLACNs
(Reprinted from (54), S. Sinha Ray et al., Polymer,
Science Ltd.)
The moduli of the PLS nanocomposites increase with

increasing clay loading at all frequencies (). At high
s, the qualitative behaviour of G() and G() is
essentially the same and unaffected with frequencies.
However, at low frequencies G() and G()
increase monotonically with increasing clay content.
In the low frequency region, the curves can be
44
The temperature dependence frequency shift factors

(aT, Williams-Landel-Ferry type) used to generate
master curves are shown in Figure 33. The
dependence of the frequency shift factors on the
silicate loading suggests that the temperaturedependent relaxation process observed in the
viscoelastic measurements are somehow affected by
the presence of the silicate layers (378). In the case
of N6CN3.7, where the hydrogen bonding occurs on
the molecule already hydrogen-bonded to the silicate
surface, the system exhibits a large value of flow
activation energy (estimated from the slope in Figure
33a) nearly one order higher in magnitude compared
with that of neat Nylon 6. The shift factor bT shows a
large deviation from a simple density effect, it would
be expected that the values would not vary far from
unity. One possible explanation is an internal structure
development occurring in PLACNs during
measurement (shear process). The alignment of the
silicate layers probably supports the PCN melts to
withstand the shear force, thus leading to the increase
in the absolute values of G() and G().
Figure 33
(a) Frequency shift factor aT and (b) modulus shift factor bT as a function of temperature
7.2 Elongational Flow and Strain-Induced

Hardening
Okamoto and co-workers (a.62) conducted an
elongation test on PP/LS nanocomposites (PPCN4)
under molten state at constant Hencky strain rate ( 0 )
using elongation flow optorheometry, and they have
also attempted to control the alignment of the dispersed
silicate layers of intercalated PPCNs under uniaxial
elongational flow.
Figure 34 shows double logarithmic plots of transient
elongational viscosity E ( 0 ; t ) against time (t)
observed for a Nylon 6/LS system (N6CN3.7) and a
PPCN4 (MMT=4 wt%) with different Hencky strain
rates ( 0 ) ranging from 0.001 s-1 to 1.0 s-1. The solid
curve represents time development of three-fold shear
viscosity, 30 ( ; t ) , at 225 C with a constant shear

rate = 0.001 s-1. In E ( 0 ; t ) at any 0 , the N6CN3.7
melt shows a weak tendency of strain-induced
hardening as compared to the PPCN4 melt. A strong
behaviour of strain-induced hardening for the PPCN4
melt originated from the perpendicular alignment of
the silicate layers to the stretching direction as reported
by Okamoto and co-workers (a.62).
From TEM observations (see Figure 30), the N6CN3.7
forms a fine dispersion of the silicate layers of about
100 nm in Lclay, 3 nm thickness in dclay and clay of about
20-30 nm between them. The clay value is one order
of magnitude lower than the value of Lclay, suggesting
the formation of a spatially-linked structure of the
dispersed clay particles in the Nylon 6 matrix. For the
N6CN3.7 melt, the silicate layers are densely dispersed
45
silicate. Medellin-Rodriguez and co-workers (217)

reported that molten N6CN samples showed a planar
orientation of silicate layers along the flow direction,
which is strongly dependent on shear time as well as
clay loading, reaching a maximally orienting level after
being sheared for 15 minutes with = 60 s-1.
Okamoto and co-workers carried out TEM observation
of sheared N6CN3.7 with = 0.0006 s-1 for 1000 s
(a.63) (Figure 35). The edges of the silicate layers lying
along the z-axis (marked with the arrow (a)) or parallel
alignment of the silicate edges to the shear direction
(x-axis) (marked with the arrow (b)) rather than random
orientation in the Nylon 6 matrix is observed, but in
fact, one cannot see these faces in this plane. Here, it
should be emphasised that the planar orientation of the
silicate faces along the x-z plane does not take place
prominently. In the case of rapid shear flow, the
commonly applicable conjecture of the planar
orientation of the silicate faces along the shear direction
was first demonstrated to be true by Kojima (399).
Figure 34
Time variation of elongational viscosity E ( 0 ; t ) for
(a) N6CN3.7 melt at 225 C and for (b) PPCN4 at
150 C. The solid line shows three times the shear
viscosity, 3E ( ; t ) , taken at a low shear rate
= 0.001 s-1 on a cone-plate rheometer.
into the matrix and hence difficult to align under

elongational flow. Under flow fields, the silicate layers
might translationally move, but not rotationally in such
a way that the loss energy becomes minimum. This
tendency was also observed in a PPCN7.5 melt with a
higher content of MMT (= 7.5 wt%).
The orientation of silicate layers and Nylon 6
crystallites in injection moulded N6CN3.7 using
WAXD and TEM has been examined (399). Kojima
and co-workers found three regions of different
orientations in the sample as a function of depth. Near
the middle of the sample, where the shear forces are
minimal, the silicate layers are oriented randomly and
the Nylon 6 crystallites are perpendicular to the silicate
layers. In the surface region, shear stresses are very
high, so both the clay layers and the Nylon 6 crystallites
are parallel to the surface. In the intermediate region,
the clay layers, presumably due to their higher aspect
ratio, still orient parallel to the surface and the Nylon 6
crystallites assume an orientation perpendicular to the
46
Figure 35
TEM micrograph in the x-z plane showing N6CN3.7
sheared at 225 C with = 0.0006 s-1 for 1000s. The
x-, y- and z-axes correspond respectively to flow,
shear gradient and neutral direction.
Recently, Utracki and co-workers (121) reported

liquid crystal like behaviour in N6CN melts with low
content of clay. They conducted a frequency sweep
test and flow reversal experiment at 240 C.
According to them, one possible explanation of the
increase of shear viscosity is the polycondensation
of the Nylon 6 matrix during flow with rest time from
500 to 4000 s. However, this assumption was not
confirmed by them.
the dispersed silicate particles act as nucleating sites

for cell formation and lowering of d value with
increasing silicate content. TEM observation
identified biaxial flow-induced alignment of silicate
particles along the cell boundary. Such aligning
behaviour of silicate particles helps cells to withstand
the stretching force from breaking the thin cell wall
and improves the modulus of the foam.
8.2 Shear Flow Processing
8 Processing Operations
Very slow shear-processing for Nylon 6/MMT system

(N6CN3.7) (MMT=3.7 wt%) was examined with an
expectation that this would result in an excellent
material having enhanced mechanical properties
(a.63). As anticipated, N6CN3.7 subjected to shearprocessing showed strong enhancement in relative
modulus as compared to the corresponding Nylon 6
matrix (Table 15). For example, after having been
sheared with = 0.0006 s-1 for 1000 s, the modulus
of N6CN3.7 at 30 C was 2.6 times higher, while for
the pre-sheared N6CN3.7 the modulus was only 1.8
times higher than that of neat Nylon 6. To improve
the modulus, the silicate layers seem to act as an
internal bone layer to protect the materials from being
bent by external forces.
Flow-induced internal structural change occurs in both

shear and elongational flow, and there are differences
between nanocomposites, as judged from the above
results on E ( 0 ; t ) and 30 ( ; t ) (see also Figure 34).
Thus, with these rheological features of PLS
nanocomposites and the characteristics of each
processing operation, there are issues as to which
process type should be selected for a particular
nanocomposite for the enhancement of its mechanical
properties. For example, the strong strain-induced
hardening in E ( 0 ; t ) is requisite for withstanding the
stretching force during processing, while the rheopexy
(shear thickening) in 30 ( ; t ) suggests that for such
PLS nanocomposites a promising technology is
processing in a confined space such as injection
moulding where shear force is crucial.
8.3 Electrospinning
Fibres and nanofibres of N6CN (diameter 100-500
nm) were electrospun from hexafluoro-2-propanol
(HFIP) solution and collected as non-woven fabrics
or as aligned yarns (125). The electrospinning
process resulted in highly aligned MMT particles and
Nylon 6 crystallites. The cylindrical shaped fibres
and nanofibres, and ribbon shaped fibres were found
in the products. Electrospinning can be expected to
align other nanofillers such as carbon nanotubes
(CNTs).
8.1 Foam Processing Using Supercritical CO2

Okamoto and co-workers (89) first attempted to
control the alignment of dispersed silicate layers in
intercalated PP/LS nanocomposites (PPCNs) during
foam processing by using supercritical CO 2. The
PCCN foam exhibited smaller cell size, d ( 28 m)
and larger cell density, N c ( 3.4 10 8cell.cm -3)
compared to neat PP-MA foam (137 m for d and 3.5
106cell.cm-3 for Nc, respectively), suggesting that
Table 15 Bending modulus for N6CN3.7 and neat Nylon 6

Sample
Ta (C)
Modulus of N6CN3.7 (GPa)
Modulus of Nylon 6 (GPa)
Pre-shear
Post-shear
Pre-shear
Post-shear
30
2.69
4.00
1.51
1.54
150
1.76
2.22
0.46
0.52
Measuring temperature.
47
8.4 Porous Ceramic Materials

A new route for the preparation of porous ceramic
material from thermosetting epoxy/clay
nanocomposites was first reported by Brown and coworkers (312). This route offers attractive potential for
diversification and application of PLS nanocomposites.
Sinha Ray and Okamoto have reported on the
preparation of novel porous ceramic material via
burning of the PLA/LS system (PLACN) (a.49), using
PLACN containing 3.0 wt.% inorganic clay. The SEM
image of the fracture surface of the porous ceramic
material prepared from simple burning of the PLACN
in a furnace up to 950 C is shown in Figure 36. After
complete burning, as seen in the figure, the PLACN
becomes a white mass with porous structure. The bright
lines in the SEM image correspond to the edges of the
stacked silicate layers. In the porous ceramic material,
the silicate layers form a house-of-cards structure, which
consists of large plates having a length of ~1000 nm
and a thickness of ~30-60 nm. This implies that the
further stacked platelet structure is formed during
burning. The material exhibits the open-cell type
structure having 100-1000 nm diameter voids, BET
surface area of 31 m2 g-1 and low density of 0.187 g ml-1.
The BET surface area value of MMT is 780 m2/g and
that of the porous ceramic material is 31 m2/g, which
suggests that about 25 MMT plates are stacked together.
The estimated rough value of the compression modulus
is of the order of ~1.2 MPa, which is five orders of

magnitude lower than the bulk modulus of MMT (~102
GPa) (227, 286).
9 Multifunctional Polyhedral
Oligomeric Silsesquioxane
Nanocomposites
The use of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane
(POSS) nanoparticles has received a great deal of
attention for the preparation of polymeric
nanocomposites (119, 157, 159, 172, 173, 183, 196,
236). POSS offers a unique opportunity in this area for
preparing molecularly dispersed nanocomposites.
POSS molecules combine a hybrid inorganic-organic
composition, R n (SiO 1.5 ) n , with nano-sized cage
structures having dimensions comparable to those of
most polymeric segments or coils. The incorporation
of POSS into polymeric materials often results in
dramatic improvements in polymer properties which
include, but are not limited to, increases in use
temperature, oxidation resistance, surface hardening,
and improved mechanical properties as well as
reductions in flammability. Therefore, many
nanocomposites may be designed on the basis of using
POSS with conventional polymers. Gui and co-workers
Figure 36
SEM image of porous ceramic material after coating with a platinum layer (~10 nm thickness)
(Reprinted from (a.49), S. Sinha Ray et al., Nano Letts., 2002, 2, 423, with permission from the
48
(183) reported that POSS units incorporated into the

epoxy network were well-dispersed in the composites,
but had almost no effect on the glass transition
temperature. The storage moduli of the composites
above glass transition temperature were enhanced
compare with that of neat epoxy resin and increased
with POSS content. However, the flexural strengths
were lower than that of neat resin.
Zheng and co-workers (196) have described an efficient
synthetic route for preparing polyolefin POSS
copolymers by using a metallocene/methylaluminoxane cocatalyst system. PE-POSS and PPPOSS copolymers were obtained with a wide
concentration range of POSS incorporation. The
hybrids showed substantial improvement in thermooxidative stability with promise for high temperature
applications.
10 Carbon Nanotube Polymer

Composites
Composites of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in polymeric
matrices are attractive due to their unique mechanical
and electrical properties. CTN polymer
nanocomposites possess high stiffness, high strength
and good electrical conductivity at relatively low
concentrations of CNT filler (144, a.64). These
enhancements stem from the distinct properties of the
CNTs themselves. Various CNTs exhibited moduli and
strength levels in the range 200-1000 GPa and 200900 MPa, respectively. In addition, CNTs have a very
large aspect ratio, as high as 100-1000. Such special
properties make CTNs excellent candidates for high
strength and electrically conductive, polymer
composite applications (144). In the automotive
industry, CNTs are used as a conducting agent to aid in
electrostatic painting. A key problem in producing
superior CNT nanocomposites is the ability to control
dispersion of the CNT in polymeric matrices. For this
reason, Potschke and Paul (111) have focused on the
rheological behaviour of CNT/polymer composites.
polymeric materials. Since the possibility of direct melt

intercalation was first demonstrated by Giannelis and
co-workers (408), the melt intercalation method has
become a main stream of the preparation of intercalated
polymer nanocomposites without in situ intercalative
polymerisation. It is a quite effective technology for
the PLS nanocomposite industry. Some PLS
nanocomposites are already commercially available
and applied in industrial products.
Biodegradable polymer-based nanocomposites seem to
have a very bright future for a wide range of
applications as high performance biodegradable
materials. Their unique properties originating from the
controlled nanostructure paves the way to a broad range
of applications.
Research needs to be conducted to obtain detailed
rheological measurements of various PLS
nanocomposites in molten states, in order to obtain
information about the processing conditions of these
materials.
PLS nanocomposites show concurrent improvement in
various material properties at very low silicate content
levels and can be prepared through simple processes
such as melt intercalation, directly by melt extrusion
or injection moulding, opening a new dimension for
plastics and composites.
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Chem. Commun., 1996, 2031.
M. Okamoto, P.H. Nam, P. Maiti, 2003,

Unpublished results.
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Yamada, K. Ueda, J. Nanosci. Nanotech., 2003,
3, in press.
a.49
a.50
a.51
a.52
a.53
2C18-MMT cation modified MMT

AA
acrylamide
AEA
N,N-dimethylaminoethyl acrylate
AFM
atomic force microscopy
AIBN
N,N-azobis (isobutyronitrile)
AN
acrylonitrile
S. Sinha Ray, K. Okamoto, M. Okamoto,

Macromolecules, 2003, submitted.
ANI
aniline
APES
aliphatic polyester
K. Okamoto, S. Sinha Ray, M. Okamoto, J.

Polym. Sci. Part B: Polym. Phys., 2003, in
press.
BDMA
benzyldimethylamine
CEC
cation exchange capacity
CL
liquid -caprolactone
CNT
carbon nanotubes
CSA
camphorsulfonic acid
DBDPO
decabromodiphenyl oxide
DBSA
dodecylbenzenesulfonic acid
DETDA
diethyltoluene diamine
DGEBA
diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A
DMA
dynamic mechanical analysis
DMAC
N,N-dimethylacetamide
EG
ethylene glycol
EPDM
ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer
rubber
EPR
epoxy polymer resins
EVA
ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer
FTIR
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
HBP
hyperbranched polymers
Hc
specific heat of combustion
HDT
heat distortion temperature
S. Sinha Ray, K. Okamoto, K. Yamada, M.

Okamoto, Nano Lett., 2002, 2, 423.
S. Sinha Ray, K. Okamoto, M. Okamoto, J.
Nanosci. Nanotech., 2002, 2, 171.
A. Blumstein, S.L. Malhotra, A.C. Watterson,

J. Polym Sci Part A Polym Chem., 1970, 8,
1599.
a.54
a.55
J.W. Gilman, T. Ksahiwagi, E.P. Giannelis, E.

Manias, S. Lomakin, J.D. Lichtenhan, P. Jones,
S. Al-Malaika, A. Golovoy, C.A. Wilkie, Eds.,
Chemistry and Technology of Polymer
Additives, Blackwell Science, Oxford, 1999,
Chapter 14.
a.56
a.57
L. Nielsen, J Macromol. Sci. Chem. A1, 1967,

5, 929.
a.58
J.W. Liu, Q. Zhao, C.X. Wan, Space Medicine

and Medical Eng., 2001, 14, 308.
a.59
S. Sinha Ray, K. Yamada, M. Okamoto, K.

Ueda, Macromol. Mater. Eng., 2003, 288, 203.
a.60
Abbreviations and Acronyms
P. Maiti, M. Okamoto, Macromol. Mater. Eng.,

2003, 288, 440.
51
(HE)2M1R1 bis(hydroxyethyl)(methyl)-rapeseedquaternary ammonium
PLS
polymer/layered silicate
PMMA
polymethyl methacrylate
PNVC
poly(N-vinylcarbazole)
POSS
polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane
PP
polypropylene
PPCN
polypropylene-clay nanocomposite
PP-MA
maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene

oligomer
PP-OH
polypropylene with polar telechelic OH

groups
HFIP
hexafluoro-2-propanol
HHMPA
hexahydro-4-methylphthalic anhydride
HMW
high molecular weight
HRR
heat release rate
IC
isophthaloyl chloride
LCP
liquid crystalline polymer
LMW
low molecular weight
LS
layered silicates
MA
maleic anhydride
PPT
polypropylene terephthalate
MAO
methylaluminoxane
PPY
polypyrrole
MMA
methyl methacrylate
PS
polystyrene
MMT
modified montmorillonite
PU
polyurethane
MMW
medium molecular weight
PUU
polyurethane urea
MW
molecular weight
PVA
polyvinyl alcohol
N6CN
Nylon 6 matrix clay nanocomposites
PVP
poly(N-vinyl pyrrolidone)
NCH
nylon/clay hybrid
PY
pyrrole
NVC
N-vinylcarbazole
QA
quaternary ammonium
OMLS
organically modified layered silicate
Rw
residual weight
PAA
N,N-dimethylaminopropyl acrylamide
styrene
PANI
polyaniline
SEA
specific extinction area
PBO
polybenzoxazole
SPN
PBS
polybutylene succinate
smetic clay modified with

diethylmethylammonium cation
PBSCN
PBS/MMT nanocomposites
s-PS
syndiotactic polystyrene
PBT
polybutylene terephthalate
STN
PC
polycarbonate
smetic clay modified with

methyltrioctylammonium
PCL
poly(-caprolactone)
Tc
crystallisation temperature
PDMS
polydimethyl siloxane
TCRD
Toyota Central Research &

Development Co. Inc.
PDT
polymerisation-clay delamination onset

temperature
TEM
transmission electron microscope
PE
polyethylene
Tg
glass transition temperature
PEG
polyethylene glycol
TGA
thermogravimetric analysis
PEI
polyetherimide
TGAP
trifunctional triglycidyl p-amino phenol
PEO
polyethylene oxide
TGDDM
tetrafunctional tetraglycidyldiamino
diphenylmethane
PET
polyethylene terephthalate
TLCP
PEVA
ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer
thermotropic liquid crystalline

polyester
PHA
polyhydroxyamide
Tm
melting temperature
PLA
polylactide
WAXD
wide angle X-ray diffraction
PLACN
polylactide-clay nanocomposite
XRD
X-ray diffraction
52
References and Abstracts
Abstracts from the Polymer Library Database

Item 1
Macromolecular Materials and Engineering
288, No.2, 20th Feb.2003, p.175-80
ALIGNED NAFION NANOCOMPOSITES:
PREPARATION AND MORPHOLOGICAL
CHARACTERIZATION
Karthikeyan C S; Schossig M; Radovanovic E;
Goncalves M C; Wittich H; Schulte K; Nunes S P
GKSS-Research Centre; Campinas,Universidade;
Polymer Composites
A nanocomposite based on Nafion (ionomer) and a
layered silicate (montmorillonite) was prepared and
processed under an electric field to induce orientation of
the inorganic filler. The morphology of the oriented
composites was analysed by scanning electric potential
microscopy(SEPM) and TEM. Films based on both plain
ionomer and composite exhibited fine contrast in SEPM,
differentiating the phases, which could not be achieved
using conventional atomic force microscopy. The
orientation of the silicates in the composites was evident
from the SEPM picture. 20 refs.
BRAZIL; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
GERMANY; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.887708
Item 2
Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Chemistry
Edition
41, No.7, 1st April 2003, p.905-13
PREPARATION, CHARACTERIZATION, AND
PROPERTIES OF NOVOLAC-TYPE PHENOLIC/
SIO2 HYBRID ORGANIC-INORGANIC
NANOCOMPOSITE MATERIALS BY SOL-GEL
METHOD
Chin-Lung Chiang; Ma C C M; Dai-Lin Wu; HsuChiang Kuan
Taiwan,National Tsing Hua University; HungKuang,University
Novolac-type phenolic resin/silica hybrid organicinorganic nanocomposites were prepared by a sol-gel
process. FTIR and NMR were used to identify the
structure of modified hybrid nanocomposites. The silica
network was characterised by silicon-29 NMR. Results
obtained indicated that Q4 (tetrasubstituted) and T3
(trisubstituted) were the main microstructures. The size
of silica in the phenolic resin was characterised by SEM.
The particle size of inorganic silica in the modified system
was less than 100 nm. The nanocomposites exhibited good
transparency and their thermal properties and mechanical
properties exhibited significant improvement. The
materials showed good flame-retardant properties. 33 refs.
TAIWAN
Accession no.887627
Copyright 2003 Rapra Technology Limited
Item 3
Journal of Polymer Science: Polymer Physics Edition
41, No.7, 1st April 2003, p.670-8
NANOCOMPOSITES BY MELT
INTERCALATION BASED ON
POLYCAPROLACTONE AND ORGANOCLAY
Yingwei Di; Iannace S; de Maio E; Nicolais L
Napoli,Universita Federico II; Naples,Institute of
Composite Materials & Biomaterials
Nanocomposites based on biodegradable polycaprolactone(PCL) and organically-modified layered
silicates (montmorillonites) were prepared by melt
mixing. The dependence of organoclay intercalation
and/or exfoliation on the processing conditions and
type of organoclay was studied, together with the
thermal and rheological behaviour of the resultant
nanocomposites. The nanocomposites with exfoliated
filler exhibited improved thermal stability because the
exfoliated platelets retarded the diffusion of oxygen
into the polymer matrix. Much more significant shear
thinning behaviour was observed for nanocomposites
than for the neat PCL melt. The storage modulus and
loss modulus exhibited less frequency dependence than
pure PCL at a low frequency range. These results were
attributed to the strong interactions of PCL and
exfoliated organoclay layers, which lowered the
molecular mobility of PCL and the resultant exfoliation
structure of the organoclay. 29 refs.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; ITALY;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.887546
Item 4
European Polymer Journal
39, No.5, May 2003, p.945-50
POLYPROPYLENE-CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES:
EFFECT OF COMPATIBILIZING AGENTS ON
CLAY DISPERSION
Garcia-Lopez D; Picazo O; Merino J C; Pastor J M
Valladolid,Universidad; CIDAUT
PP-clay nanocomposites were prepared and studied
using two different coupling agents, diethyl maleate
and maleic anhydride. Two different clays, a
commercial montmorillonite (Nanomer I30.TC) and a
sodium bentonite purified and modified with
octadecylammonium ions, were also used. The relative
effect of each factor, matrix and clay modification,
could be observed from structural analysis (small-angle
X-ray scattering and TEM) and mechanical property
tests. An explanation of the results was proposed in
terms of the microstructure and chemical nature of the
systems and the thermodynamic interaction operating
during nanocomposite preparation. 17 refs.
53
NANOCOR
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; SPAIN;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.887463
Item 5
European Coatings Journal
4, No.3, 2003, p.138/42
TINY PARTICLES, HUGE EFFECT. RADIATION
CURABLE SILICA NANOCOMPOSITES FOR
SCRATCH AND ABRASION RESISTANT
COATINGS
Roscher C
hanse chemie AG
Nanotechnological reinforced composites consisting of
monodisperse, non-agglomerated silica-particles and
radiation-curing acrylic resins (polyether acrylates,
polyester acrylates and epoxy acrylates) were found to
exhibit a significant enhancement of scratch and abrasion
resistance and hardness without possessing the
disadvantages known from other inorganic additives.
Even with loadings of silica up to 50%, water-clear
products with low viscosities and no sediment formation
were obtained, rendering these nanocomposites useful for
use in all types of high performance applications. 8 refs.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; GERMANY;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.887402
Item 6
41, No.10, 15th May 2003, p.1014-21
POLY(1-BUTENE)/CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES:
PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES
Wanjale S D; Jog J P
Pune,National Chemical Laboratory
Poly(1-butene)(PB)/clay nanocomposites were
successfully prepared using the melt-intercalation process
with organically modified clay. X-ray diffraction patterns
confirmed the intercalation of polymer in the silicate
layers. Thermal analysis (DSC) was used to show the
effect of clay on the phase transformation of PB. DMA
showed that the nanocomposites had higher storage
moduli relative to pure PB, dependent on the clay content,
while the coefficient of thermal expansion was found to
be significantly lower. 37 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.887350
Item 7
Polymer
44, No.9, 2003, p.2761-72
POLYAMIDE-12 LAYERED SILCATE
NANOCOMPOSITES BY MELT BLENDING
McNally T; Murphy W R; Chun Y Lew; Turner R J;
Brennan G P
54
Belfast,Queens University
Nanocomposites were prepared form polyamide-12 and
either tetrasilicic fluoromica (ME100) or quaternary
tallow ammonium chloride modified fluoromica (MAE)
by melt blending. The structure of the materials were
characterised by wide angle X-ray diffraction, scanning
electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray analysis,
transmission electron microscopy and atomic force
microscopy. The ME100 nanocomposites exhibited a
largely intercalated morphology, while the MAE
nanocomposites were highly exfoliated. The polymer
crystallites lay perpendicular to the clay surfaces. The
mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were much
improved over polyamide-12, with only 4% of MAE in
particular producing significant enhancement of the
tensile and flexural properties and an increase in
elongation at break from 120% to 500%. However, the
impact strength was significantly reduced. Considerable
increases in temperature were observed during tensile
testing, in some cases causing the temperature to rise
above the glass transition. The deformation mechanism
was dominated by microvoid formation. The shear
viscosity of the nanocomposites was lower than
polyamide-12, in particular when MAE was used. This
was shown not to be the result of polymer degradation.
The thermal properties of the nanocomposites were
investigated by thermomechanical analysis,
thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning
calorimetry. The melting and crystallisation temperatures
were identical to those of the pure polymer, and the
thermal stability was slightly increased in the MAE case.
The coefficient of thermal expansion increased slightly
in the ME100 composite, but fell by 16% for the MAE
material. The glass transition temperature and dynamic
storage modulus of the materials were increased over
polyamide-12. 53 refs.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; UK;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.886563
Item 8
Polymer Preprints Volume 43. Number 2. Fall 2002.
Papers presented at the ACS meeting held Boston, Ma.,
18th-22nd Aug.2002.
Washington. DC, ACS,Div.of Polymer Chemistry,
2002, p.1049-50, 28cm, 012
MORPHOLOGY-RHEOLOGY-CORRELATIONS
FOR POLYSTYRENE/LAYERED-SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Yuanming Zhang; Jin Zhu; Verploegen E A; Giannelis
E P; Wiesner U
Cornell University
(ACS,Div.of Polymer Chemistry)
Nanocomposites were prepared from polystyrene (PS) and
organically modified montmorillonite with three different
morphologies: immiscible, intercalated, and delaminated.
The specific morphologies were confirmed by wide angle
X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The

linear viscoelastic properties of the composites was
investigated. Non-terminal rheological responses with higher
storage moduli than PS were observed in all cases. As the
morphology changed from immiscible to intercalated to
delaminated, the viscoelastic behaviour changed from
predominantly viscous behaviour to elastic behaviour
exhibiting an elastic plateau. As frequency increased, the
behaviour of the three nanocomposites became increasingly
similar to one another and to PS. 5 refs.
USA
Accession no.886522
Item 9
Chemistry of Materials
15, No.7, 8th April 2003, p.1456-65
NEW POLYLACTIDE/LAYERED SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITES. 3. HIGH-PERFORMANCE
BIODEGRADABLE MATERIALS
Ray S S; Yamada K; Okamoto M; Ogami A; Ueda K
Toyota Technological institute; Unitika Ltd.
The preparation, characterisation and properties of new
biodegradable polylactide/organically modified
synthetic fluorine mica nanocomposites with either
intercalated, exfoliated or mixed intercalated/exfoliated
silicate layers are reported. The structure, thermal
properties, crystallite morphology, dynamic mechanical
properties, flexural properties and heat distortion
temperature are discussed as are their oxygen
permeability and biodegradability. 47 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.886472
Item 10
Polymer Preprints. Volume 43. Number 2. Fall 2002.
Papers presented at the ACS Meeting held Boston, Ma.,
18th-22nd Aug.2002.
Washington, DC, ACS,Div.of Polymer Chemistry,
2002, p.1314-5, 28cm, 012
POLYSTYRENE NANOCOMPOSITE USING A
MASTERBATCH PREPARED BY
POLYMERIZATION IN CLAY-DISPERSED
WATER
Ko M B; Jeong J; Jho J Y; Yang K
Seoul,National University; LG Chemicals Ltd.
Clay/PS nanocomposites were prepared by emulsion
polymerisation in clay-dispersed water using a functional
comonomer, 2-aminoethyl methacrylate hydrochloride,
to coagulate the emulsion particles and the polymerisation,
coagulation behaviour and final dispersion state of the
nanocomposites were examined. It was found that
incorporation of the monomer appeared to promote the
coagulation of the emulsion particles. Melt-blending a
masterbatch of the clay-dispersed composite prepared by
copolymerising the comonomer with styrene provided
nanocomposites having individual silicate layers well

distributed in the PS matrix. 12 refs.
KOREA; USA
Accession no.886429
Item 11
18th-22nd Aug.2002.
2002, p.1312-3, 28cm, 012
POLYMER-LAYERED SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITES BY SUSPENSION AND
EMULSION POLYMERIZATIONS: PVC-MMT
NANOCOMPOSITES
Xu Y; Malaba D; Huang X; Aguilar-Solis C; Brittain W J
Akron,University
Polyvinyl chloride-montmorillonite nanocomposites were
prepared either by in-situ suspension polymerisation using
initiator- and comonomer-modified montmorillonite in the
presence of free-radical initiators, such as AIBN, and
compared. It was found that monomer conversion was low
when the nanocomposites were prepared using initiatormodified montmorillonite. Exfoliated nanocomposites
were obtained in the presence of both the initiator- and
comonomer-modified montmorillonite. 5 refs.
USA
Accession no.886428
Item 12
18th-22nd Aug.2002.
2002, p.1281-2, 28cm, 012
PREPARATION OF POLYMER-CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES, AND THEIR STUDIES BY
MULTINUCLEAR SOLID-STATE NMR
Hou S-S; Bonagamba T J; Beyer F L; Schmidt-Rohr K
Iowa State University; US,Army Research Laboratory
Nanocomposites were prepared from Na+-hectorite and
Na+-montmorillonite and either styrene-ethylene oxide
diblock copolymers or PS latex. The microstructure,
molecular motion and molecular conformation of these
nanocomposites were investigated using Silicon 29 NMR
spectroscopy with high sensitivity Silicon 29 detection,
proton-Silicon 29 HETCOR NMR spectroscopy with
proton spin diffusion and proton-Carbon 13 correlation
NMR spectrocopy with proton spin diffusion. The data
obtained indicated that these NMR techniques could be
performed on the above composites with very good
sensitivity and selectivity. 10 refs.
USA
Accession no.886410
55
Item 13
Fire & Materials
27, No.1, Jan.-Feb.2003, p.1-7
SOME COMMENTS ON THE MODES OF
ACTION OF NANOCOMPOSITES IN THE
FLAME RETARDANCY OF POLYMERS
Lewin M
Brooklyn,Polytechnic University; Jerusalem,Hebrew
University
A study was carried to account for the formation of a
montmorillonite-rich char surface upon pyrolysis and
combustion of montmorillonite-containing nanocomposites. The role of surface free energy in the surface
structure of polymer blends, especially those with a
silicon-containing component, was examined and data
from an X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic study of the
accumulation of montmorillonite on the surface of a PS
nanocomposite re-examined. It is suggested that the
accumulation of montmorillonite is due to migration or
convection of montmorillonite to the surface of the
nanocomposite mainly as a result of the lower surface
energy of montmorillonite. 12 refs.
ISRAEL; USA
Accession no.886406
Item 14
Journal of Applied Polymer Science
88, No.6, 9th May 2003, p.1526-35
MECHANICAL AND RHEOLOGICAL
PROPERTIES OF THE MALEATED
POLYPROPYLENE-LAYERED SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITES WITH DIFFERENT
MORPHOLOGY
Chong Min Koo; Mi Jung Kim; Min Ho Choi; Sang
Ouk Kim; In Jae Chung
Korea,Advanced Institute of Science & Technology;
Cornell University; Wisconsin-Madison,University
Three types of maleated PP-layered silicate
nanocomposites (deintercalated, intercalated and
exfoliated) were prepared from two types of maleated PP
with different molecular weights, layered with pristine
montmorillonite or organically modified montmorillonite.
The molecular weight difference of the maleated PP
matrix affected the intercalation kinetics and the final
morphology of the nanocomposites. The rheological and
mechanical properties depended largely on the final
morphology of the nanocomposite and the clay content.
42 refs.
KOREA; USA
Accession no.886169
Item 15
GPEC 2003: Plastics Impact on the Environment.
Proceedings of a conference held Detroit, 26th-27th
Feb.2003.
Brookfield, CT, SPE, 2003, p.69-78, 27cm, 012
56
EMERGING GREEN NANOCOMPOSITES:

STRIVING FOR SUSTAINABILITY IN
AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATIONS
Mohanty A K; Misra M; Drzal L T
Michigan,State University
(SPE,Environmental Div.)
Automakers now see strong promise in polymer clay
nanocomposites, especially in PP/TPO/nylon based
nanocomposites. Nanocomposites are lighter than metals
and filled composites, thus main motivation for large
fuel and energy savings in transportation. There is a
growing urgency to develop novel biobased products
and innovative technologies than can reduce the US
dependence on fossil fuel. Green/biobased
nanocomposites are the next generation of materials for
the future. Renewable resource-based biodegradable
polymers, including cellulosic plastic, polylactic acid
and polyhydroxyalkanoate, are some of the potential
biopolymers which on effective reinforcement with
nanoclay can generate so called green nanocomposites
for automotive applications. Such newly developing
green nanocomposites need to be sustainable to
compete with existing petroleum-based polymer clay
nanocomposites. Green nanocomposites derived from
renewable resources, having recycling capability and
triggered biodegradability, with commercial viability
and environmental acceptability, are termed as
sustainable. 25 refs.
USA
Accession no.886062
Item 16
Polymer
44, No.8, 2003, p.2441-6
EFFECT OF SAMPLE THICKNESS ON THE
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF INJECTIONMOLDED POLYAMIDE-6 AND POLYAMIDE-6
CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES
Uribe-Arocha P; Mehler C; Puskas J E; Altstadt V
Bayreuth,University; BASF AG; Western
Ontario,University
Dynamic mechanical analysis in the injection direction
under torsion and tension, and tensile testing, were used
to examine the effects of sample thickness, ranging from
0.5 to 2mm thickness, on the mechanical properties
polyamide 6 (PA6), and nanocomposites of PA6 and clay.
Scanning electron microscopy was used to examine
fracture surfaces, and evidence of a skin-core effect was
observed in samples of the nanocomposite but not in the
homopolymer. A micromechanical model was proposed,
involving multiple voiding in the core with a stiffer and
oriented skin, to explain the failure mechanism and the
clear effect of reduction in tensile modulus and yield stress
with increasing sample thickness. 32 refs.
CANADA; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
GERMANY; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.885788
Item 17
Polymer
44, No.8, 2003, p2271-9
VAPOR BARRIER PROPERTIES OF
POLYCAPROLACTONE MONTMORILLONITE
NANOCOMPOSITES: EFFECT OF CLAY
DISPERSION
Gorrasi G; Tortora M; Vittoria V; Pollet E; Lepoittevin
B; Alexandre M; Dubois P
Salerno,University; Mons Hainaut,University
Nanocomposite films of polycaprolactone (PCL)
containing different levels of montmorillonite were
prepared by melt blending of sodium montmorillonite to
give microphase composites, and by ring opening
polymerisation of e-caprolactone in the presence of
organo modified montmorillonite to give exfoliated
composites. Intercalated composites were prepared
similarly, but the ring opening polymerisation was carried
out in the presence of sodium montmorillonite, and the
blending method utilised organo modified
montmorillonite. Barrier properties to water vapour, and
to dichloromethane, were studied by determining sorption
and zero concentration diffusion coefficients for each
liquid. Water sorption increased with increasing
montmorillonite content, but diffusion parameters of
microphase and intercalated nanocomposites were similar
to pure PCL. For exfoliated nanocomposites, much lower
diffusion parameters were observed. Sorption of the
dichloromethane depended on amorphous PCL content
at low relative pressures, but at higher relative pressures
an enormous increase in sorption was observed due to
plasticisation of the polymer matrix. Diffusion coefficient
for both intercalated and exfoliated nanocomposites was
lower than microphase composite due to higher
obstruction to penetrant molecules in these
nanocomposites. 24 refs.
BELGIUM; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
ITALY; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.885768
Item 18
Papers presented at the ACS meeting held Boston, Ma.,
18th-22nd Aug.2002.
2002, p.1019-20, 28cm, 012
PVC NANOCOMPOSITES VIA EMULSION AND
SUSPENSION POLYMERIZATION
Aguilar-Solis C; Yijin Xu; Brittain W J
Akron,University
Both emulsion and suspension polymerisation were used
to prepare polyvinyl chloride in the presence of untreated
and organically modified clays to produce
nanocomposites. Clay in the nanocomposites was
exfoliated, and the mechanisms of nanocomposite
synthesis were discussed. X-ray diffraction and
thermogravimetric analysis were used in characterisation

of the composites. 8 refs.
USA
Accession no.885691
Item 19
Polymer Testing
22, No.4, 2003, p.453-61
EFFECT OF DIFFERENT CLAY TREATMENT
ON MORPHOLOGY AND MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES OF PVC-CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Chaoying Ean; Xiuying Qiao; Yong Zhang; Yinxi
Zhang
Shanghai,Jiao Tong University
Partially intercalated and disordered PVC/sodium
montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites, and partially
intercalated and partially exfoliated PVC/organically
modified MMT nanocomposites were prepared by a melt
blending process. The nanocomposites were examined
by wide-angle X-ray diffraction, transmission electron
microscopy and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis.
At MMT loadings of up to 3 weight percent, stiffness
and impact strength of the nanocomposites showed an
improvement over that of PVC. Below 5 weight percent
MMT, the nanocomposites retain good optical clarity. The
content of organically modified MMT should be kept
below 5 weight percent to improve mechanical properties
and processing stability of the nanocomposites. 20 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.885423
Item 20
Flexible
No.6, March-April 2003, p.6/14
SMALL BEGINNINGS
Anyadike N
Polymer compounds containing relatively low loadings of
nanometre-sized mineral particles are beginning to show up
in PP, barrier beer bottles and nylon packaging films. The
present generation of nanocomposite materials already show
remarkable characteristics, including improved thermal
stability, significantly increased mechanical strength and
considerably improved barrier properties, and are
increasingly seen as a solution for high-barrier packaging. It
is in the production of films with barrier properties that the
nanocomposite technology is finding the most application.
Nylon 6 nanocomposites find application in mono and multilayer films as well as thin-wall structures. Recent data
indicates the significant extent to which nanoclay
incorporation can reduce the extent of water absorption in a
polymer. Nanotechnology also enhances UV and infrared
radiation absorbance, making it particularly suitable for
blister packaging for pharmaceuticals.
WORLD
Accession no.885201
57
Item 21
Polymer Engineering and Science
43, No.3, March 2003, p.661-9
SYNTHESIS AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
OF UNSATURATED POLYESTER BASED
NANOCOMPOSITES
Inceoglu A B; Yilmazer U
Ankara,Middle East Technical University
Two classes of nanocomposites are synthesised using an
unsaturated polyester resin as the matrix and sodium
montmorillonite as well as an organically modified
montmorillonite as reinforcing agents. X-ray diffraction
pattern of the composites shows that the interlayer spacing
of the modified montmorillonite expands from 1.25 to
4.5 nm, indicating intercalation. Glass transition values
of these composites increase from 72 deg.C, in the unfilled
unsaturated polyester, to 86 deg.C in the composite with
10% organically modified montmorillonite. From
scanning electron microscopy, it is seen that the degree
of intercalation/exfoliation of the modified
montmorillonite is higher than in the unmodified one. The
mechanical properties also support these findings, since
in general, the tensile modulus, tensile strength, flexural
modulus, flexural strength and impact strength of the
composites with modified montmorillonite are higher than
the corresponding properties of the composites with
unmodified montmorillonite. Tensile modulus, tensile
strength, flexural modulus and flexural strength values
show a maximum, whereas the impact strength exhibits a
minimum at approximately 3-5 wt.% modified
montmorillonite content. These results imply that the level
of exfoliation may also exhibit a maximum with respect
to the modified montimorillonite content. The level of
improvement in the mechanical properties is substantial.
Adding only 3 wt.% organically modified clay improves
the flexural modulus of unsaturated polyester by 35%.
The tensile modulus of unsaturated polyester is also
improved by 17% at 5 wt.% of organically modified clay
loading. 9 refs.
TURKEY
Accession no.884499
Item 22
Nanocomposites 2003. Proceedings of a conference
held Amsterdam, 13th-14th Feb.2003.
Peterborough, Emap Maclaren. Polymer Group, 2003,
Paper 6, pp.27, 31cm, 012
PRODUCING NANOCOMPOSITES USING
COMPOUNDING EXTRUDERS
Schonfeld S
Coperion Werner & Pfleiderer GmbH & Co.KG
Nanocomposites present significant potential for
development of a wide range of enhanced performance
polymer compounds. Even a small loading (4-5%) of
properly dispersed clay in the base polymer can yield
substantial improvement in thermal properties such as
HDT, and mechanical properties such as flexural strength
58
and modulus (without significant loss of impact, barrier

properties, flame resistance, and abrasion resistance).
Until recently, most development has been focused on
determining proper surface treatment to make the clay
compatible with the base polymer and therefore improve
the ease with which it can be dispersed in the polymer.
Most publications still concentrate on the importance of
the chemistry used to modify the surface of the clay and
give a description of resultant product properties but do
not include the role of processing or give details of the
compounding set-up. The key challenge is therefore to
determine how to maximise clay exfoliation. Of course,
using clay modified specifically for compatibility with
the polymer matrix is extremely important, but proper
design and operation of the compounding system is
equally critical. Different extruder systems available are
discussed with regard to their design flexibility for the
processing of nanocomposites. Results of recent
experiments on the co-rotating twin screw extruder
(Werner & Pffleiderer ZSK) and the reciprocating single
screw system (Buss Kneader MKS) and the key unit
operations necessary to obtain clay that is well dispersed
are presented. It is demonstrated how the results from the
laboratory tests can be transferred for the design of a
production line.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.884433
Item 23
Journal of Materials Science Letters
22, No.1, 1st Jan.2003, p.53-5
FABRICATION AND VISCOELASTIC
PROPERTIES OF BIOGRADABLE POLYMER/
ORGANOPHILIC CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES
Lee C H; Lim S T; Hyun Y H; Choi H J; Jhon M S
Inha,University; Carnegie-Mellon University
Compared to conventional polymer blends in which the
internal structure of the clay is retained without
intercalation of polymer, polymer/clay nanocomposites
are a new class of composites that show the characteristic
incorporation on the order of nanometer (nm) range inbetween the consisting components. As a result they
usually exhibit physical and mechanical properties
superior to those of conventional composites such as
increased moduli and strengths, high heat distortion
temperatures, electrical conductivity, anticorrosion and
electrorheological properties due to a unique morphology
and improved interfacial properties. There are two types
of internal structures: intercalation, in which extended
polymer chains are inserted between clay layers, and
exfoliation, in which the clay single layers are dispersed
into a continuous polymer matrix. The synthesis and
rheological properties of nanocomposites fabricated from
a biodegradable polymer and organophilic
montimorillonite are investigated. Even though BAP can
compete with PHB in cost, applications of BAP are limited
material showed half the water absorption of PA6. The

dynamic mechanical properties of the system were
investigated, showing that PA6CN has a higher storage
modulus than PA6 at all temperatures and that the
relaxation peaks appear at the same temperatures as in
PA6. 27 refs.
because it is still expensive when compared to

conventional polymers. Therefore, BAP/clay
nanocomposites can lower cost and increase the range of
applicability of biodegradable polymers. Recently,
biodegradable polymers have been used to produce poly(llactide) (PLLA)-montmorillonite (MMT), poly(Ecaprolactone) (PCL)-MMT and BAP intercalated
CHINA; EUROPEAN UNION; SCANDINAVIA; SWEDEN;

WESTERN EUROPE
KOREA; USA
Accession no.884030
Accession no.884417
Item 24
Revista de Plasticos Modernos
83, No.550, April 2002, p.403-8
Spanish
POLYMERIC NANOCOMPOSITES. II.
Lopez M A; Arroyo M
Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnologia de Polimeros
A review is made of methods used in the preparation of
nanocomposites consisting of silicate fillers dispersed in
polymer matrices. The mechanical, dynamic mechanical,
thermal, optical and barrier properties of such composites
are considered, and the influence of the nature and content
of the filler on these properties is examined. 58 refs. (Part
I: Ibid., 83, No.549, March 2002, p.290-5).
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.884066
Item 25
88, No.4, 25th April 2003, p.953-8
POLYAMIDE 6/CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES
USING A COINTERCALATION
ORGANOPHILIC CLAY VIA MELT
COMPOUNDING
XiaoHai Liu; Qiuju Wu; Berglund L A; Lindberg H;
Jiaqi Fan; Zongneng Qi
Lulea,University of Technology; Chinese Academy of
Sciences
Polyamide 6/clay nanocomposites (PA6CN) were
prepared via a melt compounding method using a new
type of organophilic clay. The novel filler was produced
by cointercalation of a bisphenol A diglycidyl ether epoxy
resin and hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide into
sodium montmorillonite. The material was characterised
by X-ray diffraction and transition electron microscopy,
and it was found that the silicate layers were dispersed
homogeneously through the matrix in an almost fully
exfoliated manner. This behaviour was ascribed to strong
interactions between the epoxy groups and amide end
groups of the polymer. The heat distortion temperature
and impact strength were much improved over PA6. The
notched Izod impact strength of PA6Cn was 80% higher
than that of PA6 at 5% clay loading and was still higher
than that of PA6 at 10% clay loading. The 10% clay loaded
Item 26
Polymer Bulletin
49, No.6, March 2003, p.473-80
THERMALLY-CURED AND E-BEAM-CURED
EPOXY LAYERED-SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Chenggang Chen; Curliss D
Dayton,University; Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Layered-silicate epoxy nanocomposites were cured by
conventional thermal processing. Wide angle X-ray
diffraction, small angle X-ray scattering and TEM
indicated that the nanocomposites had an exfoliated
nanostructure. Layered-silicate epoxy nanocomposites
cured by electron beam curing showed an intercalated
nanostructure. Dynamic mechanical analysis showed an
improvement in the modulus without decreasing the glass
transition temperature for the electron beam cured
USA
Accession no.883989
Item 27
18th-22nd Aug.2002.
Washington, D.C., ACS,Div.of Polymer Chemistry,
2002, p.900-1, 28cm, 012
INTERACTIONS OF WATER SOLUBLE
POLYMERS WITH MONTMORILLONITE CLAY
FOR BIODEGRADABLE NANOCOMPOSITE
APPLICATIONS
Haynes, C T; Lochhead R Y
Southern Mississippi,University
Poly(N-vinyl formamide), poly(vinyl amine) and
poly(vinyl amine) which was hydrophobically modifed
by reacting with methoxybenzoic acid chloride were
prepared. The interactions between the polymer/
montmorillonite systems at various pHs were studied.
Poly(N-vinyl formamide) adsorbed preferentially to the
clay edges at both pH 3.0 and 7.0, but the method of
polymer interaction could not be determined by the FTIR
spectroscopic methods used. the charge density on the
backbone of this non-ionic polymer was unaffected by
the pH of the system. No polymer adsorption was
observed at pH 10.0. Poly(vinyl amine) was adsorbed
preferentially to the alumina-hydroxyl clay edges at pH
59
3.0 and to the silica clay faces at pH 7.). At pH 10.0, the

negative charges on both the clay face and edges inhibited
interaction with the amine groups and no adsorption was
observed. Hydrophobically modifed poly(vinyl amine)
adsorbed most readily on the silica clay faces, regardless
of the pH of the system. 4 refs.
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN NANO- AND

MICRO-STRUCTURES AND MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES IN PMMA-EPOXY-NANOCLAY
COMPOSITES
Park J H; Jana S C
Akron,University
USA
Organically modified nanoclay particles were dispersed

in PMMA with the aid of mixtures of aromatic and
aliphatic epoxy resins and the mechanical properties of
the resulting three-phase composite materials determined
by means of tensile and impact testing. The state of clay
particle dispersion was analysed by one-dimensional wide
angle X-ray diffraction, TEM and scanning electron
microscopy and the mechanical properties of the
composites compared with those for PMMA-nanoclay,
epoxy-nanoclay and PMMA-epoxy composites as a
function of nano- and micro-dispersed domains of phase
separated epoxy resin and nanoparticles. 33 refs.
Accession no.883979
Item 28
Polymer
44, No.4, 2003, p.1315-9
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF
INTERCALATED CYANATE ESTER-LAYERED
SILICATE NANOCOMPOSITES
Ganguli S; Dean D; Jordan K; Price G; Vaia R
Tuskegee,University; Raytheon Electronic Systems
Co.; Dayton,University; Wright-Patterson Air Force
BAse
Cyanate ester/organically modified layered silicate (OLS)
nanocomposites were synthesised. the thermal stability,
glass transition temperature and coefficient of thermal
expansion were improved for a 2.5% loading of OLS.
The fracture toughness and flexural modulus increased
by 30% as the OLS loadings increased to 5%. 12 refs.
USA
Accession no.883742
Item 29
Polymer Preprints, Volume 43. Number 2. Fall 2002.
18th-22nd Aug. 2002.
Washington, DC, ACS,Div. of Polymer Chemistry,
2002, p.900-1, 28 cm, 012
INTERACTIONS OF MODEL WATER SOLUBLE
POLYMERS WITH MONTMORILLONITE CLAY
FOR BIODEGRADABLE NANOCOMPOSITE
APPLICATIONS
Haynes C T; Lochhead R Y
An investigation was carried out into the adsorption of
water-soluble polymers (polyvinyl formamide, polyvinyl
amine and hydrophobically modified polyvinyl amine)
on inorganic montmorillonite clay faces using adsorption
isotherms and FTIR spectroscopy to characterise the
nature of the chemical bonds in the clay. Factors affecting
the adsorption of these polymers on clay were identified
and the adsorption behaviour of the various polymers
compared. 4 refs.
USA
Accession no.883649
Item 30
Polymer
44, No.7, 2003, p.2091-100
60
USA
Accession no.883639
Item 31
Polymer
44, No.7, 2003, p.2033-40
POLYMER/LAYERED SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITES BY COMBINED
INTERCALATIVE POLYMERIZATION AND
MELT INTERCALATION: A MASTERBATCH
PROCESS
Lepoittevin B; Pantoustier N; Devalckenaere M;
Alexandre M; Calberg C; Jerome R; Henrist C;
Rulmont A; Dubois P
Mons Hainaut,University; CRESMAP;
Liege,University
The preparation of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and PVC
layered silicate nanocomposites by a combination of
intercalative polymerisation and melt intercalation is
described and a study of the formation of these
nanocomposites by X-ray diffraction and TEM as well as
the determination of their heat stabilities as a function of
clay content by TGA are reported. The preparative process
involved the in-situ polymerisation of epsiloncaprolactone intercalated organo-modified silicate layers
and the addition of the resulting highly filled
nanocomposites in the form of masterbatches in
poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and PVC by melt blending.
24 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.883633
Item 32
2002 PLACE Conference. Proceedings of a conference
held Boston, Ma., 9th-12th Sept. 2002.
Atlanta, GA, TAPPI Press, 2002, Session 3, Paper 11,
pp.4, CD Rom, 012
POLYMER-CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES: ONE

WAY TO IMPROVE THE BARRIER
PROPERTIES OF POLYMERS USED IN
PACKAGING
Krook M; Hedenqvist M S
Sweden,Institute for Packaging and distribution;
Sweden,Royal Institute of Technology
(TAPPI)
Barrier packaging materials based on nanocomposites are
examined. Polymer nanocomposites show high stiffness
and s strength and barrier properties, with far less filler
content than comparable conventional glass- or mineralfilled polymers. Tests were carried out on an experimental
grade of polyesteramide and a C18-amine organoclay. It
was found that both the oxygen and the water vapour
transmission rate showed a modest decrease with increasing
filler content. Incorporation of clay nanoparticles has been
shown to significantly reduce permeability of polymers as
well as increase their heat distortion temperature. In this
project, a modest decrease in oxygen and water
permeability with increasing content of polyesteramide/
octadecylammonium-treated montmorillonite clay, when
going from 0-13 wt.% was observed. 15 refs.
EUROPEAN UNION; SCANDINAVIA; SWEDEN; USA;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.883483
Item 33
87, No.14, 1st April 2003, p.2216-20
RUBBER-CLAY NANOCOMPOSITE BY
SOLUTION BLENDING
Pramanik M; Srivastava S K; Samantaray B K;
Bhowmick A K
Indian Institute of Technology
A nanocomposite of EVA rubber (45% vinyl acetate
content) and organomodified clay (12-Memontmorillonite) was prepared by solution blending of
the rubber and the clay. A combination of X-ray
diffraction, SEM and TEM studies showed that the
composites obtained were on the nanometer scale.
Measurements of the dynamic mechanical properties for
different compositions over the temperature range -100
to +100C showed that the storage moduli of these rubberclay nanocomposites were higher above the Tg than for
the neat rubber. The TS of the nanocomposites was about
1.6 times higher than that of the EVA-45. 20 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.883251
Item 34
88, No.1, 4th April 2003, p.189-93
EFFECT OF NANOSILICA ON THE
PROPERTIES OF POLYESTER-BASED
POLYURETHANE
Shu-Xue Zhou; Li-Min Wu; Jian Sun; Wei-Dian Shen

Fudan,University; Eastern Michigan,University
Polyester-urethanes with embedded nanosilica particles
were prepared. The viscosity of polyester resins without
and with nanosilica, the dispersion, and the mechanical
and optical properties of the PUs with embedded
nanosilica were investigated using rheoviscometry, TEM,
hardness testing, scanning probe microscopy, abrasion and
tensile testing, and UV-visible spectrophotometry. The
viscosity of the polyester resins increased as the nanosilica
content increased. It was shown that nanosilica could be
dispersed into the polyester and its PU on a nanoscale.
The addition of a small amount of nanosilica increased
the hardness, abrasion resistance and tensile properties
of the polymer films. These properties could, however,
be worsened at higher nanosilica contents. The UV-visible
spectra showed that the absorbance and reflection of UVvisible light by the PU films increased as the nano-silica
content increased, especially at wavelengths of 290 to
400 nm. 11 refs.
CHINA; USA
Accession no.883222
Item 35
Polymer Degradation and Stability
80, No.1, 2003, p.171-82
IN-SITU REACTIVE BLENDING TO PREPARE
POLYSTYRENE-CLAY AND POLYPROPYLENECLAY NANOCOMPOSITES
Dongyan Wang; Wilkie C A
Marquette,University
Nanocomposites of PS and PP with organically-modified
clay were prepared by melt blending in a Brabender mixer.
The presence of maleic anhydride was shown to increase
the likelihood of nanocomposite formation of PS but was
less important for PP. The materials obtained were
immiscible materials in that the clay was not uniformly
distributed throughout the polymer matrix, but there was
polymer inserted between the clay layers. The results of
cone calorimetry studies suggested that nanocomposite
formation had occurred, as there was a significant
reduction in the peak heat release rate. 33 refs.
USA
Accession no.883202
Item 36
80, No.1, 2003, p.163-9
PREPARATION AND FLAMMABILITY
PROPERTIES OF POLYETHYLENE-CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Jinguo Zhang; Wilkie C A
PE-clay nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending
in a Brabender mixer. X-ray diffraction and TEM were
used to characterise the nanostructure of the composites,
61
while the thermal stability was evaluated by TGA and

the flammability by cone calorimetry. It was found that
the PE-clay nanocomposites had a mixed immiscibleintercalated structure and that there was better
intercalation when maleic anhydride was combined with
the polymer and clay to be melt-blended. The reduction
in peak heat release rate was 30 to 40%. 12 refs.
USA
Accession no.883201
Item 37
China Synthetic Rubber Industry
26, No.2, 2003, p.115
EFFECT OF ORGANOMONTMORILLONITE
MODIFIED WITH DIFFERENT INTERCALANTS
ON PROPERTIES OF EPDM/CLAY NANO
COMPOSITES
Organomontmorillonite was modified with
octadecyltrimethyl ammonium chloride, bis(2hydroxyethyl)methyl dodecyl ammonium chloride and
octadecyl dimethyl benzyl ammonium chloride (DBAM)
and the effect of the modified organomontmorillonite on
the mechanical properties and dynamic mechanical
properties of EPDM nanocomposites made therefrom.
Nanocomposites containing the DBAM-modified
organomontmorillonite were found to exhibit the best
properties. 2 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.883075
Item 38
Polymer
44, No.5, 2003, p1391-9
POLYIMIDE/MONTMORILLONITE
NANOCOMPOSITES BASED ON THERMALLY
STABLE, RIGID-ROD AROMATIC AMINE
MODIFIERS
Zhu-Mei Liang; Jie Yin; Hong-Jie Xu
Item 39
Materials and Processing - Ideas to Reality. Vol. 34.
Proceedings of the 34th International SAMPE technical
conference held Baltimore, Md., 4th-7th Nov.2002.
Carina, Ca., SAMPE International Business Office,
2002, p.692-704, 23 cm, 012
THERMAL AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
OF VINYLESTER BASED LAYERED SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Hussain F; Dean D
Tuskegee,University
(SAMPE)
The effects of nano clay particles such as montmorillonite
on improving mechanical and thermal properties of
polymer matrix composite materials are examined. Basic
correlations between polymer morphology, strength,
modulus, toughness and thermal stability of thermoset
nanocomposites are investigated as a function of layered
silicate content. S2 glass-vinyl ester nanocomposites are
prepared by adding different weight percentages of
montmorillonite nano clay particles to vinyl ester matrices.
The fabrication of S2 glass vinyl ester/organophillic clay
nanocomposites is conducted by a cost effective vacuum
assisted resin infusion moulding (VARIM) process via in
situ intercalative polymerisation. The results show
significant improvements in mechanical and thermal
properties of the nanostructured materials with low loading
of organo silicates, which offer promise of economically
improving the performance of the fibre reinforced
composites. Thermal property measurement includes
thermogravimetric analysis and glass transition
temperature. This new family of materials exhibits
enhanced mechanical properties such as interlaminar shear
strength, flexural strength, flexural modulus and fracture
toughness. Optical and scanning electron microscopy are
used to examine the failure surfaces. Molecular dispersion
of the layered silicate within the crosslinked matrix is
verified using wide angle X-ray diffraction and
transmission electron microscopy, revealing that
intercalated nanocomposites are formed. 20 refs.
USA
New amine modifiers with a rigid-rod structure and which

were thermally stable were developed and used for treating
montmorillonite (MMT) clays prior to in situ
polymerisation of polyimide (PI) onto the clay. A wider
layer spacing was observed between MMT layers, and
higher ion exchange ratio, compared to the use of
conventional modifiers. PI/MMT nanocomposites were
characterised using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis,
thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning
calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron
microscopy and stress-strain properties. Properties of the
nanocomposites were generally better than those prepared
using conventional coupling agents, with both strength and
toughness increased in the composite up to a MMT addition
of 3 percent. Solvent uptake was also reduced. 31 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.882876
62
Accession no.882798
Item 40
287, No.12, 30th Dec.2002, p.909-14
EVA COPOLYMER BASED NANOCOMPOSITES
La Mantia F P; Lo Verso S; Dintcheva N T
Palermo,University
Nanocomposites are a new class of polymer material with
an ultrafine phase dispersion of the order of a few
nanometers that shows very interesting properties often
very different from those of conventional filled polymers.
The mechanical and optical properties of EVA copolymerbased nanocomposites are investigated to evaluate its
possible use in several applications. For example, films
for covering greenhouses made by EVA copolymer are
appealing because of their interesting optical properties

and for the so-called greenhouse effect. Mechanical
properties and the rigidity in particular are, on the contrary,
quite low. Nanocomposites should avoid this shortcoming
if optical properties and processability are not
unfavourably affected. EVA copolymer based
nanocomposites are prepared by compounding polymer
matrix and two different functionalised silicates (0-10
wt.%) in molten state. X-ray diffractograms show that, in
the adopted experimental conditions, no exfoliation of
the filler is obtained, but an intercalated morphology is
observed. Rheological behaviour, both in shear and in
non-isothermal elongational flow, is only slightly
influenced by the presence of the filler. As for the
mechanical properties, the elastic modulus strongly
increases without any worsening of the elongation at
break. Permeability in the UV region is not influenced
by adding even relatively high contents of the silicates.
The improved mechanical and optical properties and the
unmodified processability suggest then the use of these
new polymeric systems in many applications and in
particular as films for covering greenhouses. 15 refs.
Item 42
ANTEC 2002. Proceedings of the 60th SPE Annual
Technical Conference held San Francisco, Ca., 5th-9th
May 2002.
Brookfield, Ct., SPE, 2002, Paper 596, Session W13Composites. Joint with Engineering Properties and
Structure. Nanocomposites I, pp.5, CD-ROM, 012
MODIFIED CLAY IN POLYVINYLCHLORIDE (PVC)
Kalendova A; Kovarova L; Malac Z; Malac J; Vaculik
J; Hrncirik J; Simonik J
Zlin,Tomas Bata University
(SPE)
Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) nanocomposites were
prepared by blending PVC with two different
montmorillonites and plasticisers of different molecular
weights, using a reciprocating screw blender. An increase
in Youngs modulus was obtained. When significant
bonding occurred between the matrix and the clay, the
abrasion resistance of the in nanocomposite was not
adversely affected. In the absence of bonding, the abrasion
resistance was decreased. The nanocomposites exhibited
enhanced heat resistance compared with PVC, particularly
when good exfoliation was achieved. 6 refs.

WESTERN EUROPE
CZECH REPUBLIC
Accession no.882669
Accession no.882331
Item 41
Composites Science & Technology
63, Nos.3-4, 2003, p.331-7
MORPHOLOGY, THERMAL AND
MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR OF POLYAMIDE 6/
LAYERED-SILICATE NANOCOMPOSITES
Liu T X; Liu Z H; Ma K X; Shen L; Zeng K Y; He C B
Singapore,Institute of Materials Research &
Engineering
The microstructure, morphology, thermal and
mechanical properties of polyamide 6/layered-silicate
nanocomposites (PLSN) are studied using X-ray
diffraction (XRD), tapping-mode atomic force
microscopy (AFM), differential scanning calorimetry
(DSC) and tensile tests. XRD and AFM results indicate
that the organically-modified layered silicates are
intercalated in the polyamide 6 (PA6) matrix. Also, the
crystallisation and thermal behaviour of PA6 are
influenced by the addition of layered silicates into
polymer matrix. A silicate-induced crystal
transformation from the alpha-form to the gamma-form
of PA6 is confirmed by XRD and DSC, i.e. the formation
of gamma crystal is enhanced by the presence of
silicates. In comparison to PA6, the thermal property of
PLSN is investigated using DSC. The possible origins
of a new silicate-induced endothermic peak are
discussed. Tensile tests show that the tensile modulus
and yield strength increase while the strain-at-yield
decreases with increasing clay loading. 26 refs.
Item 43
May 2002.
EFFECTS OF PROCESSING PARAMETERS ON
THE PREPARATION OF HIGH DENSITY
POLYETHYLENE/LAYERED SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Kwak M; Lee M; Lee B-K
LG Chem Ltd.
(SPE)
Batch mixing was used to determine the optimum
processing parameters for the preparation of
nanocomposites comprising high density polyethylene
(HDPE), organically modified clay and maleated
polyethylene (PE-MAH). The degree of clay exfoliation
was determined by X-ray diffraction and transmission
electron microscopy. The d-spacing increased linearly with
PE-MAH content, with exfoliation occurring at additions
in excess of 25 wt%. Nanocomposites were subsequently
prepared using an intermeshing, co-rotating twin screw
extruder. Intercalation/exfoliation was enhanced by
increasing the processing temperature, time, and the screw
speed, and by decreasing the HDPE molecular weight.
Exfoliation was influenced by shear stress on the clay and
diffusion of HDPE into the clay gallery, the former being
more dominant in this system. 13 refs.
SINGAPORE
KOREA
Accession no.882624
Accession no.882330
63
Item 44
May 2002.
FATIGUE RESISTANCE OF POLYAMIDE-6 AND
POLYAMIDE-6/CLAY NANOCOMPOSITE
Bellemare S C; Bureau M N; Denault J; Dickson J I
Montreal,Ecole Polytechnique; Canada,National
Research Council
(SPE)
The fatigue resistances of polyamide-6 (PA6) containing
2 wt% montmorillonite and unfilled PA6 were compared.
Longitudinal and transverse strains of injection moulded
samples were measured during constant stress amplitude
fatigue testing at 5 Hz. The fatigue resistances were
similar. It was concluded that strain amplitude was best
compared at the same maximum cyclic stress, whilst the
accumulated strain at fracture was best compared at the
same strain amplitude. The clay addition influenced the
fatigue crack propagation mechanism, with crack
initiation occurring in the bulk at or near to the clay
particles. 12 refs.
CANADA
Accession no.882328
Item 45
May 2002.
POLYOLEFIN NANOCOMPOSITES USING
MALEIC ANHYDRIDE MODIFIED
POLYOLEFINS
Lee J A; Gopakumar T G; Kontopoulou M; Parent J S
Kingston,Queens University
(SPE)
Nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending 3-10
wt% modified montmorillonite clays with high density
polyethylene and with high density polyethylene
maleated with 1 wt% maleic anhydride (MA). The
presence of MA gave strong interaction between matrix
and clay, resulting in complete exfoliation. The clay
additions accelerated the non-isothermal crystallisation
of the PE. The viscous and elastic properties increased
with increasing clay content, and the tensile strength was
also enhanced, compared with pure PE and PE/clay
mixtures. However, the elongation at break was
significantly decreased. 11 refs.
CANADA
Accession no.882327
64
Item 46
Polymer International
52, No.1, Jan.2003, p.153-7
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF
ETHYLENE VINYL ACETATE COPOLYMER/
MONTMORILLONITE NANOCOMPOSITE
Cheol Hwan Jeon; Sung Hun Ryu; Young-Wook Chang
Kyung Hee,University; Han Yang,University
Ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer/montmorillonite
(MMT) nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending.
The effects of the vinyl acetate content and molecular
weight of EVA on the intercalation behaviour of MMT in
the EVA/MMT nanocomposites were studied. The
interlayer distance of MMT increased with increasing vinyl
acetate content up to 15 wt% but above that, no further
increase of interlayer distance occurred. The molecular
weight of EVA did not affect the intercalation behaviour.
Various organomodified MMTs were used to examine the
effects of substituted alkylammoniums on the dispersion
of MMT in the EVA/MMT nanocomposites. The type of
substituted alkylammonium played a critical role for the
intercalation of MMT and dimethyldioctadecylammonium
was suitable for the EVA nanocomposite. Maleic anhydride
grafted HDPE (PEMA) was used as a compatibiliser to
improve the intercalation behaviour of MMT. Intercalation/
exfoliation behaviour was obtained at 20 wt% PEMA. The
tensile strength and elongation at break decreased, and the
Youngs modulus increased, with increasing MMT content.
Adding PEMA improved the tensile strength and elongation
at break. 12 refs.
KOREA
Accession no.881325
Item 47
43, No.1, Jan.2003, p.214-22
STUDY OF THE EFFECT OF SURFACTANTS ON
THE PROPERTIES OF POLYSTYRENEMONTMORILLONITE NANOCOMPOSITES
Wei Xie; Jyh Ming Hwu; Jiang G J; Buthelezi T M;
Wei-Ping Pan
Western Kentucky,University; Chung-Yuan Christian
University
PS-organomontmorillonite(organo-MMT)
nanocomposites were prepared by suspension free radical
polymerisation of styrene in dispersed organophilic
montmorillonite. X-ray diffraction and TEM studies
indicated that exfoliated nanocomposites were achieved.
The effect of organic modifiers (surfactants) on the
properties of the nanocomposites was studied. It was
found that, under the experimental conditions studied, PSMMT nanocomposite with 5.0 wt % organo-MMT gave
the greatest improvement in thermal stability and PSMMT nanocomposites with 7.5 wt % organo-MMT
showed the greatest improvement in mechanical
properties, compared with that of pure PS. The alkyl chain
length of surfactant used in fabricating organo-MMT
affected the PS nanocomposites synthesised, the Tg of

the PS nanocomposite increasing with increase in alkyl
chain length of the surfactant. The organoclay in the
nanocomposites appeared, however, to play a dual role.
It acted as a nanofiller leading to an increase of storage
modulus and as a plasticiser leading to a decrease in
storage modulus. 20 refs.
TAIWAN; USA
Accession no.881051
Item 48
43, No.1, Jan.2003, p.204-13
NYLON 10 10-MONTMORILLONITE
NANOCOMPOSITE MADE BY
INTERCALATING POLYMERIZATION
Guosheng Zhang; Yongjin Li; Deyue Yan; Youyong Xu
The above nanocomposite was prepared by intercalating
polymerisation and was characterised by X-ray
diffraction, FTIR, atomic force microscopy, SEM, TGA,
DSC and DMA. The results obtained showed that there
were uniformly dispersed silicate layers in the nylon 1010
matrix. The resulting nanocomposites had higher onset
decomposition temperature and dynamic storage moduli
than those of pure nylon 1010. In addition, it was found
that montmorillonite played an important role in
heterophase nucleation of the crystallisation of nylon 1010
in composites. Mechanical testing showed that the tensile
modulus of nanocomposites was superior to that of nylon
1010 and the ultimate strain values of the nanocomposites
remained at a level similar to nylon 1010 if the content of
montmorillonite was not more than 6 wt %. 22 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.881050
Item 49
87, No.12, 21st March 2003, p.1901-9
NANOSTRUCTURE OF EVA/ORGANOCLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES. EFFECTS OF KINDS OF
ORGANOCLAYS AND GRAFTING OF MALEIC
ANHYDRIDE ONTO EVA
Li X; Ha C-S
Hebei,University of Technology; Pusan,National
University
The nanostructure of EVAC/montmorillonite
nanocomposites prepared by melt intercalation was
investigated using X-ray diffraction and TEM. Three
kinds of organoclays were used to examine their
influences on the nanostructure of the EVAC hybrids. The
effects of the polar interactions between the polymer and
the silicate layers of organoclays were also investigated
by grafting maleic anhydride onto EVAC. 28 refs.
CHINA; KOREA
Accession no.880968
Item 50
Macromolecular Rapid Communications
23, No.16, 25th Nov.2002, p.943-7
NANOCOMPOSITE: NANOSCALE CONTROL
OVER MULTIPLE PROPERTIES
Ray S S; Yamada K; Ogami A; Okamoto M; Ueda K
Toyota Technological Institute; Unitika Ltd.
A polylactide/organically modified layered silicate
(synthetic fluorine mica) nanocomposite was prepared and
characterised. Wide angle X-ray diffraction and highresolution TEM showed that intercalated stacked and
disordered/exfoliated mica layers coexisted in the
nanocomposite. The nanocomposites showed improved
mechanical properties and crystallisation behaviour with
a simultaneous improvement in biodegradability
compared with neat polylactide. 19 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.880688
Item 51
Macromolecular Symposia
No.189, 2002, p.105-10
SHEAR CONTROLLED MORPHOLOGY OF
RUBBER/ORGANOCLAY NANOCOMPOSITES
AND DYNAMIC MECHANICAL ANALYSIS
Schon F; Thomann R; Gronski W
Freiburg,Universitat
SBR/layered silicate composites are prepared using clays
modified with alkyl ammonium salts of different structure.
The influence of modifier structure and compounding
conditions on the extent of exfoliation/intercalation of the
silicates is investigated by electron microscopy and
dynamic mechanical analysis. With increasing exfoliation,
the glass transition temperature is lowered and the stability
of the filler network is enhanced. 10 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.880600
Item 52
Fire & Materials
26, No.6, Nov.-Dec.2002, p.247-53
FLAMMABILITY OF POLYSTYRENE LAYERED
SILICATE (CLAY) NANOCOMPOSITES:
CARBONACEOUS CHAR FORMATION
Morgan A B; Harris R H; Kashiwagi T; Chyall L J;
Gilman J W
US,National Inst.of Standards & Technology; Great
Lakes Chemical Corp.
Polymer layered-silicate (clay) nanocomposites have
not only the unique advantage of reduced flammability
but also improved mechanical properties. This is a key
advantage over many flame retardants, which reduce
flammability but also reduce the mechanical properties
of the polymer. In efforts to further understand the
65
mechanism of flame retardancy with polymer-clay

nanocomposites, the effects of clay, loading level and
polymer melt viscosity on the flammability of PS-clay
nanocomposites are investigated. The nanoscale
dispersion of the clay in the polymer is analysed by
wide-angle X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission
electron microscopy (TEM). Cone calorimetry and
gasification studies are used to evaluate the
flammability of these nanocomposites. There are major
reductions in peak heat release rates (HRRs) and
increased carbonaceous char formation, for these
nanocomposites. It is determined that while viscosity
of the PS nanocomposite plays a role in lowering the
peak HRR, clay loading level has the largest effect on
peak HRR. Finally, it is found that clay catalysed
carbonaceous char formation and reinforcement of the
char by the clay is responsible for the lowered
flammability of these nanocomposites. 27 refs.
USA
Accession no.880580
Item 53
Machine Design
75, No.3, 6th Feb.2003, p.28
NANOCOMPOSITES BODY PANELS ON THE
HORIZON
A new process, which could make nanocomposites
feasible for the manufacture of automotive parts, such
as body panels, has been developed by scientists at
Ford Motor Co. The process involves the use of sound
waves to increase the compatibility between
microscopic smectite clay particles and plastics, such
as PP and PE.
FORD MOTOR CO.
USA
Accession no.880030
Item 54
Polymer
44, No.3, Feb.2003, p.857-66
NEW POLYLACTIDE-LAYERED SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITES. II. CONCURRENT
IMPROVEMENTS OF MATERIAL PROPERTIES,
BIODEGRADABILITY AND MELT RHEOLOGY
Ray S S; Yamada K; Okamoto M; Ueda K
Nanocomposites were prepared from polylactide(PLA)
and montmorillonite modified with trimethyl
octadecylammonium cation. The internal structure of
the nanocomposites in the nanometer range was
established by using wide-angle X-ray diffraction and
TEM analyses. All the nanocomposites exhibited
superior improvement in practical material properties
such as storage modulus, flexural modulus, flexural
strength, heat distortion temp. and gas barrier properties
as compared with neat PLA. The biodegradability of
66
neat PLA and a representative nanocomposite was also

studied under compost and the rate of biodegradation
of neat PLA was shown significantly to increase after
nanocomposite preparation. The melt rheology of neat
PLA and various PLA nanocomposites was also
studied. 42 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.879066
Item 55
Polymer
44, No.3, Feb.2003, p.681-9
CHARACTERISTICS OF
POLYVINYLPYRROLIDONE-LAYERED
SILICATE NANOCOMPOSITES PREPARED BY
ATTRITION BALL MILLING
Chong Min Koo; Hyeong Taek Ham; Min Ho Choi;
Sang Ouk Kim; In Jae Chung
Korea,Advanced Institute of Science & Technology
Polyvinyl
pyrrolidone(PVP)/sodium
montmorillonite(MMT) nanocomposites prepared by the
solution intercalation method were investigated by UV/
visible spectroscopy, SEM, X-ray diffraction, TEM, FTIR
spectroscopy and polarised light microscopy. PVP/MMT
nanocomposites showed exfoliation below 20 wt % MMT
and intercalation above this concentration.
Nanocomposites retained good optical clarity and
increasing heat resistance with MMT content. The
compatibility between PVP and MMT and their enhanced
properties could be explained by hydrogen bonding
interactions. In addition, the nanocomposites prepared
under more rigorous mixing conditions showed better
transparency because the smaller particle sizes were
induced. A study on optically clear PVP/MMT
suspensions was shown to provide information on the
influence of existence of polymer in aqueous solution on
optical anisotropy of MMT. 39 refs.
SOUTH KOREA
Accession no.879048
Item 56
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research
64A, No.1, 1st Jan.2003, p.114-9
LOW PERMEABILITY BIOMEDICAL
POLYURETHANE NANOCOMPOSITES
Xu R; Manias E; Snyder A J; Runt J
Pennsylvania,State University
Details are given of a nanocomposite approach for
reducing gas permeability through biomedical PU
membranes used in cardiac assist devices.
Nanocomposites were prepared using polyurethane ureas
and two organically modified layered silicates.
Characterisation was undertaken using X-ray diffraction
and water vapour permeability measurements. 24 refs.
USA
Accession no.878824
Item 57
May 2002.
Brookfield, Ct., SPE, 2002, Paper 473, Session T46Polymer Modifiers and Additives. Student Session,
pp.5, CD-ROM, 012
TENSILE PROPERTIES OF PE CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES VIA TAGUCHI BASED
DESIGN OF EXPERIMENTS
Miller J; Greene J
California,State University
(SPE)
Item 59
May 2002.
pp.2, CD-ROM, 012
EFFECTS OF NANOCOMPOSITES ON THE
OXYGEN BARRIER PROPERTIES OF
POLYETHYLENE
McConaughy S D
Pennsylvania,University
(SPE)
Nanocomposites of low density polyethylene (LDPE) and

high density polyethylene (HDPE) were prepared by melt
mixing the polymers with polypropylene-clay
nanocomposites using one of maleic anhydride, acrylic
acid or isopropyl alcohol as compatibiliser. The blends
were extruded, pelletised and injection moulded to form
tensile test specimens. Taguchi methodology was used to
investigate the influences of composition and processing
conditions on the tensile properties. The tensile modulus
and strength of the polyethylene increased with increasing
clay content, greater increases for HDPE being observed
than for LDPE. Clay conditions reduced the elongation.
Maleic anhydride and acrylic acid additions enhanced the
mechanical properties, whilst isopropyl alcohol had little
effect. 7 refs.
The barrier properties of polyethylene containing

montmorillonite were evaluated by measuring the oxygen
permeability at 40 C, using an extruded tubular sample
of 0.127 mm wall thickness. The results were compared
with those of low, medium and high density polyethylene,
and of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer. It was concluded
that the addition of the clay to polyethylene enhanced it
barrier properties for non-polar gases such as oxygen.
However, the enhanced performance was still not as good
as that of typical barrier polymers, such as EVOH. 3 refs.
USA
Accession no.878308
Item 58
May 2002.
pp.5, CD-ROM, 012
STUDY OF BLOWN FILM NANOCOMPOSITES
CONSISTING OF POLYCAPROLACTONE AND
MONTMORILLONITE CLAY
Thellen C; Culhane E
Massachusetts,University
(SPE)
Blown film was prepared from polycaprolactone
containing 2-5% montmorillonite. A twin-screw extruder
was used with a range of processing parameters.
Exfoliation, as determined by X-ray diffraction and
transmission electron microscopy, was enhanced by the
use of slower screw speeds and feed rates. The polymer
transition temperatures were not significantly changed by
the clay additions. The film tensile strength and modulus
increased with increasing extruder feed rate, or reducing
screw speed. 5 refs.
USA
Accession no.878307
USA
Accession no.878306
Item 60
Polymer
44, No.2, 2003, p.443-50
NEW NANOCOMPOSITE MATERIALS BASED
ON PLASTICIZED POLY(L-LACTIDE) AND
ORGANO-MODIFIED MONTMORILLONITES:
THERMAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL STUDY
Paul M -A; Alexandre M; Degee P; Henrist C; Rulmont
A; Dubois P
Mons Hainaut,University; Liege,University
Wide angle X-ray scattering, differential scanning
calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis were used to
characterise new nanocomposite materials prepared by the
melt mixing of a polylactide with montmorillonite clay
using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a plasticiser. Different
filler levels, and both organo modified and unmodified
montmorillonite samples, were used in the study, with the
organo-modified materials showing the greater thermal
stability at a constant filler level. Increasing filler levels
also increased thermal stability. It was observed that
intercalation into the interlayer spacing was by both
polylactide and PEG, with competition between the
materials due to polar attractions with the clay. 19 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.878182
Item 61
SPE Automotive TPO Global Conference 2001.
Proceedings of a conference held Dearborn, Mi., 1st3rd Oct.2001.
67
Brookfield, Ct., SPE, 2001, Paper 27, p.271, 27 cm, 012

LIGHTWEIGHT NANOCOMPOSITES FOR
Kumar S R
MERS LLC
(SPE,Detroit Section)
Clay exfoliation, prerequisite for nanoscale dispersion,
may be achieved by chemical or physical means.
Chemical means of achieving exfoliation is popular and
its success has been demonstrated with certain polymerclay nanocomposite systems. Chemical exfoliation
involves several sequential steps: modification with
organic surfactants followed by monomer intercalation
and in situ polymerisation. Chemical methods are
generally tedious, less versatile and economically
unattractive. Physical methods extant, on the other
hand, use thermal and/or rheomechanical operations
to break down the aggregate mineral structure with
shear-induced dispersive forces, which invariably
produce irreversible changes in structure with
significant degradation in aspect ratio of clay particles.
A simple rheological technique involving extensional
flow to delaminate clay particles with little/no
degradation in their aspect ratio has been developed,
which offers many advantages. 3 refs.
Item 63
Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research
41, No.25, 11th Dec.2002, p.6402-8
STRATEGIES FOR OPTIMIZING
POLYPROPYLENE-CLAY NANOCOMPOSITE
STRUCTURE
Marchant D; Jayaraman K
An investigation was carried out into the effect of various
amounts of maleated PP compatibilisers on the structure
of nanocomposites produced by melt mixing PP with
organically modified layered silicates using X-ray
diffraction, TEM and melt rheological measurements. The
degree of delamination in these nanocomposites was also
investigated by analysing TEM images of each sample
using a product of the single particle volume fraction and
the intrinsic viscosity of such particles. This product was
found to correlate directly with the ratio of low shear
complex viscosity magnitude of the molten composite to
that of the silicate-free mixture and the molar ratio of
functional groups to compatibiliser chains was established
as a good parameter for ranking compatibiliser
effectiveness. 19 refs.
USA
Accession no.877384
USA
Accession no.877729
Item 62
Journal of Materials Chemistry
12, No.12, Dec.2002, p.3528-32
POLYESTER LAYERED SILICATE
NANOHYBRIDS BY CONTROLLED GRAFTING
POLYMERIZATION
Lepoittevin B; Pantoustier N; Alexandre M; Calberg C;
Jerome R; Dubois P
Mons Hainaut,University; Liege,Center for Education
& Research on macromolecules; CRESMAP
Poly-epsilon caprolactone layered silicate nanohybrids
were prepared by ring-opening polymerisation of
epsilon-caprolactone using a well-controlled
coordination-insertion mechanism. Montmorillonite
was modified by exchange of constitutive sodium
cations with ammonium cations having one hydroxy
function acting as precursors to aluminium or tin
alkoxides and used to initiate polymerisation of the
epsilon-caprolactone. The effects of the hydroxy
functionality of the clay surface and nature of the
catalyst on the molec.wt. and MWD of the polyepsilon-caprolactone and on the degree of exfoliation
were examined and the nanohybrids obtained
characterised by small-angle X-ray diffraction, TEM
and thermogravimetry. 21 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.877404
68
Item 64
41, No.1, 1st Jan.2003, p.94-103
POLY(LACTIC ACID) NANOCOMPOSITES
WITH VARIOUS ORGANOCLAYS. I.
THERMOMECHANICAL PROPERTIES,
MORPHOLOGY AND GAS PERMEABILITY
Jin-Hae Chang; Yeong Uk An; Gil Soo Sur
Yeungnam,University; Kumoh,National University of
Technology
Nanocomposites were prepared from poly(lactic acid)
(PLA) and three types of organoclay: hexadecylaminemontmorillonite (C16-MMT), dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide-montmorillonite (DTA-MMT) and
commercial Cloisite 25A. The nanocomposites were
characterised by thermogravimetric analysis, wide-angle
X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy,
transmission electron microscopy and tensile testing.
The clay layers were found to be dispersed
homogeneously in the matrix polymer, although some
aggregates were seen. The degradation temperature of
the nanocomposites decreased linearly with an increased
amount of clay, although with DTA-MMT the
temperature remained constant at up to 8% clay by
weight. The tensile properties improved to a maximum
with clay loading and then declined. The oxygen
permeability of the nanocomposites was less than half
that of PLA alone for all three clays. 36 refs.
SOUTH KOREA
Accession no.877160
Item 65
41, No.1, 1st Jan.2003, p.63-7
PHASE TRANSITION IN POLYAMIDE-66/
MONTMORILLONITE NANOCOMPOSITES ON
ANNEALING
Xiaohui Liu; Qiuju Wu; Qingxin Zhang; Zhishen Mo
Lulea,University of Technology; Changchun,Institute
of Applied Chemistry
X-ray diffraction was used to investigate the solid-to-solid
phase transition from the alpha- to the gamma- phase that
occurs before melting during the annealing of polyamide66 (PA66), and the effects of the presence of nanoscale
montmorillonite clay particles on the transition. The phase
transition in PA66/montmorillonite nanocomposite
occurred at 170C, 20C lower than in the bulk polymer.
This reduction of the transition temperature was attributed
to the favourable interactions between the gamma-phase
structure and the nanoclay layers. 31 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.877157
Item 66
41, No.1, 1st Jan.2003, p.44-54
EFFECTS OF ORGANOCLAYS ON
MORPHOLOGY AND THERMAL AND
RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF
POLYSTYRENE AND POLY(METHYL
METHACRYLATE) BLENDS
Gelfer M Y; Hyun H Song; Lizhi Liu; Hsiao B S; Chu
B; Rafailovitch M; Mayu Si; Zaitsev V
New York,State University at Stony Brook;
Hannam,University; New York,Queens College
Nanocomposites of polystyrene (PS), poly(methyl
methacrylate) (PMMA), and PS/PMMA blends with
Cloisite commercial organoclays were prepared by melt
blending and characterised by transmission electron
microscopy, small-angle X-ray scattering, secondary ion
mass spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and
oscillatory shear rheometry. The clay particles were well
dispersed and delaminated in the PS nanocomposites, but
aggregated in PMMA. In the blends the clay particles were
concentrated in the PMMA phase and the interfacial
regions. The blends remained immiscible, but the
nanocomposite blends showed a reduction in domain size
of an order of magnitude compared to ordinary PS/PMMA
blends. The effect of the surfactant used in preparation of
the organoclays, dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium
chloride, on the blend miscibility was investigated. Like
the clay, the surfactant was concentrated in the PMMA
and interfacial regions, but the domain size reduction was
much lower when the surfactant was added alone then in
the nanocomposites. The nanocomposites had similar
rheological properties to the polymers alone, suggesting
weak clay-polymer interaction. The results as a whole
were interpreted to suggest that the extent of clay

exfoliation and other properties are controlled by
interactions between the polymer matrix and the surfactant
than between the polymer and the clay. 26 refs.
SOUTH KOREA; USA
Accession no.877155
Item 67
41, No.1, 1st Jan.2003, p.31-8
INTERCALATED POLY(VINYLIDENE
FLUORIDE)/CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES:
STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES
Priya L; Jog J P
Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/bentonite clay
nanocomposites were prepared by melt intercalation and
characterised by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning
calorimetry and dynamic mechanical analysis. The clay
was made organophilic by prior treatment with dimethyl
dehydrogenated tallow ammonium chloride. X-ray
diffraction indicated that the PVDF was intercalated into
the clay and was in its beta crystalline form. Nonisothermal DSC showed that the nanocomposite had
increased melting and crystallisation temperatures and a
lower degree of crystallinity by comparison with the base
polymer. Isothermal crystallisation studies showed that
the addition of clay increased the rate of crystallisation.
DMA indicated that the nanocomposite had a significantly
improved storage modulus to the base polymer over a
temperature range of -100C to 150C. 27 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.877153
Item 68
Journal of Materials Science
37, No.22, 15th Nov.2002, p.4831-8
ULTRAFAST SYNTHESIS OF BENTONITEACRYLATE NANOCOMPOSITE MATERIALS
BY UV-RADIATION CURING
Decker C; Zahouily K; Keller L; Benfarhi S;
Bendaikha T; Baron J
CNRS
Details are given of the preparation of nanocomposites
made of silicate platelets dispersed in a polyurethaneacrylate by photopolymerisation. The mineral filler was
treated with an ammonium salt or an acrylated amine to
make it organophilic and allow the acrylic resin containing
a photoinitiator to penetrate into the expanded organoclay
galleries. The disappearance of the reactive function was
followed by FTIR to evaluate both the formulation
reactivity and the final cure extent of the nanocomposite.
42 refs.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; FRANCE;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.876964
69
Item 69
Polymer
44, No.1, 2003, p.289-93
INTERCALATED POLYPYRROLE/NA+MONTMORILLONITE NANOCOMPOSITE VIA
AN INVERTED EMULSION PATHWAY
METHOD
Kim J W; Liu F; Choi H J; Hong S H; Joo J
Inha,University; Korea,University
Intercalated
polypyrrole/Na+-montmorillonite
nanocomposites were synthesised by an inverted emulsion
polymerisation method using dodecylbenzenesulphonic
acid as both an emulsifier and a dopant. X-ray diffraction
studies showed that the nanocomposite had a layered
structure. The electrical conductivity of the
nanocomposite was lower than that of pure polypyrrole
over a broad range of temperatures. The nanocomposites
showed not only typical electrorheological behaviour with
electric fields but also the existence of a critical electrical
field when the yield stress of the nanocomposite-based
electrorheological fluids was plotted as a function of an
electric field. 41 refs.
SOUTH KOREA
Accession no.876751
Item 70
Journal of Vinyl and Additive Technology
8, No.4, Dec.2002, p.238-45
PREPARATION OF PVC-CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES BY SOLUTION BLENDING
Wang D; Wilkie C A
Nanocomposites were prepared by solution blending PVC
with sodium montmorillonite and an organically modified
clay using THF, as solvent, and the layered structure of
these nanocomposites characterised by TEM and X-ray
diffraction. The thermal degradation of the composites
was investigated by TGA and mechanical properties
determined by tensile testing. It was found that solution
blending produced a mixed immiscible-intercalated
nanocomposite and that the presence of clay caused a
change in the degradation path of the polymer. 28 refs.
USA
Accession no.876667
Item 71
42, No.12, Dec.2002, p.2369-82
EFFECTS OF MOLECULAR WEIGHT AND
CLAY ORGANO-IONS ON THE MELT
INTERCALATION OF POLY(ETHYLENE
OXIDE) INTO LAYERED SILICATES
Shen Z; Simon G P; Cheng Y-B
Australia,CSIRO; Monash,University
Nanocomposites of PEO and layered silicate with either
sodium cations or organically modified ammonium
70
cations in the galleries of montmorillonite were prepared

by melt intercalation and investigated by DSC, TGA and
X-ray diffraction. The effects of polymer molec.wt.,
nature of the clay and the presence of water molecules in
the clay galleries on melt intercalation were explored and
a preliminary structural model of the nanocomposites and
a model for the conformation of PEO in the clay galleries
were derived. 26 refs.
AUSTRALIA
Accession no.876633
Item 72
EURADH 2002. Adhesion 02. Proceedings of a
conference held Glasgow, 10th-13th Sept.2002.
London. IOM Communications Ltd., 2002, Session 7;
Chemistry and Rheology, Paper 9, p.141-4, 29cm, 012
THE MECHANICAL AND FRACTURE
PROPERTIES OF THERMOSETS MODIFIED
WITH MICRO- AND NANO-PARTICLES
Tarrant A E; Kinloch A J; Taylor A C
London,Imperial College of science,technol.& med.
(Institute of Materials)
The preparation of PMMA-clay nanocomposites by insitu intercalative polymerisation and their characterisation
by X-ray diffraction and DMTA are described. The effects
of clay loading on the microstructure of the
nanocomposites and of microstructure on the Tg of the
nanocomposites are examined and three possible
microstructures are briefly discussed. 1 ref.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.876573
Item 73
May 2002.
Brookfield, Ct., SPE, 2002, Paper 446, Session T42Plastics Environmental. Physical Property
Enhancement of Recycled Polymers, pp.4, CD-ROM,
012
UPGRADING RECYCLED WASTE STREAM
POLYETHYLENE BY MODIFICATION WITH
NANOSCALE CLAY HYBRIDS
Puttarudraiah A H; Goettler L A
Akron,University
(SPE)
Recycled polyethylene was melt mixed with organically
modified montmorillonite using maleic anhydride-grafted
polyethylene (PE-MA) oligomer as a compatibiliser.
Samples for tensile testing were prepared by compression
moulding, and clay dispersion was assessed by X-ray
diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The
mechanical properties improved with increasing clay and
PE-MA content. Clay dispersion increased with increasing
PE-MA content. The mechanical properties were
adversely affected by excessive PE-MA additions,

attributed to its inferior mechanical properties. Optimum
results were achieved using the highest clay content and
14% PE-MA. 6 refs.
nanocomposites also had glass transition temperatures up

to 12 C higher and exhibited significant reductions in melt
viscosity. 16 refs.
USA

WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.876536
Accession no.876474
Item 74
May 2002.
Brookfield, Ct., SPE, 2002, Paper 406, Session T35Blow Molding. Innovations in Blow Molding 2002,
pp.5, CD-ROM, 012
HIGH BARRIER BLOW MOLDED
CONTAINERS BASED ON NANO CLAY
COMPOSITES
Kenig S; Ophir A; Shepelev O; Weiner F
Israel Plastics & Rubber Center
(SPE)
Item 76
May 2002.
Brookfield, Ct., SPE, 2002, Paper 381, Session T31Engineering Properties and Structure. Joint with
Composites. Polymer Nanocomposites, pp.5, CDROM, 012
NANOCOMPOSITES STUDY OF ETHYLENE
CO-VINYL ALCOHOL AND
MONTMORILLONITE CLAY
Lucciarini J M; Ratto J A; Koene B E; Powell B
US,Army Soldier & Biological Chemical Command;
Triton Systems Inc.; Southern Clay Products Inc.
(SPE)
Containers of 10 and 22 litre capacity were extrusion blow

moulded using high density polyethylene (HDPE)
containing 2-5% exfoliated nanoclay, the processing being
optimised to maximise the clay orientation parallel to the
container surface. Loss of xylene and Fuel C by
permeability from the containers at 23 and 50 C was
compared with that from HDPE containers. The
incorporation of the small amounts of nanoclay reduced
the permeation by a factor of 70-100. In addition, the top
load stiffness and dimensional stability of the containers
were enhanced with no loss of impact resistance. 3 refs.
ISRAEL
Accession no.876496
Item 75
May 2002.
NYLON 12-LAYERED SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Lew C Y; Murphy W R; McNally T; McNally G M
Belfast,Queens University
(SPE)
A synthetic fluoromica, with and without ion exchange
with quaternary alkylammonium, was melt compounded
with polyamide-12 using a single screw extruder to obtain
layered silicate nanocomposites. Wide angle X-ray
diffraction, and transmission and scanning electron
microscopies showed that use of the modified clay gave
an exfoliated morphology. Significant increases in
elongation at break, tensile strength and flexural modulus
were also obtained, compared with polyamide-12. The
Ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) containing 5 wt%

montmorillonite was prepared using a twin screw
extruder, blown into film and evaluated for food
packaging applications. Film formation enhanced the clay
delamination and dispersion compared with the
compounded composite. The composite film exhibited
significantly higher values of Youngs modulus and tensile
strength compared with pure EVOH. The nanocomposite
oxygen transmission rates were dramatically reduced, and
it is proposed that the film was suitable for military ration
packaging applications. 10 refs.
USA
Accession no.876471
Item 77
May 2002.
MIXING AND STABILIZATION EFFECTS ON
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF POLY(VINYL
CHLORIDE)/LAYERED SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Hinojosa-Falcon L A; Goettler L A
Akron,University
(SPE)
Plasticised poly(vinyl chloride)/organomontmorillonite
nanocomposites were prepared by melt mixing. The
influences of clay, plasticiser, and stabiliser contents, and
of temperature and mixing time on the tensile properties
of compression moulded samples were investigated. The
71
most significant variable was clay concentration.

Mechanical properties were also enhanced by: decreasing
the plasticiser content (attributed to increased clay matrix
interaction); and by increasing the mixing temperature
and reducing the mixing time. 7 refs.
USA
Accession no.876470
Item 78
May 2002.
STRUCTURE OF NANOCOMPOSITE FOAMS
Changchun Zeng; Xiangmin Han; Lee L J; Koelling K
W; Tomasko D L
Ohio,State University
(SPE)
An intermeshing, co-rotating twin-screw extruder and insitu polymerisation were used to prepare polystyrene/clay
nanocomposites, using carbon dioxide as the blowing
agent. Cellular structure was studied by scanning and
transmission electron microscopies. The presence of the
clay particles resulted in a reduction in cell size and an
increase in cell density, the highest densities and lowest
cell sizes occurring when the clay was exfoliated. 9 refs.
in lower shear which prevented polymer degradation, whilst

still achieving acceptable clay exfoliation. 8 refs.
USA
Accession no.876464
Item 80
May 2002.
Brookfield, Ct., SPE, 2002, Paper 373, Session T28Extrusion. Nanocomposites, pp.5, CD-ROM, 012
TWIN SCREW EXTRUSION GUIDELINES FOR
COMPOUNDING NANOCOMPOSITES
Andersen P G
Coperion Corp.
(SPE)
Three alternative screw configurations were evaluated for
the twin-screw extruder compounding of montmorillonite
clay-containing polypropylene nanocomposites.
Intercalation was enhanced by the use of higher molecular
weight PP, and by adding the clay, polymer and
compatibiliser at the first barrel, rather than feeding the
clay downstream. Intercalation decreased slightly with
increasing screw speed. Dispersive, distributive and
masterbatch screw configurations had little influence on
intercalation. The flexural modulus increased with
increasing intercalation (d-spacing). 8 refs.
USA
Accession no.876463
USA
Accession no.876469
Item 79
May 2002.
Brookfield, Ct., SPE, 2002, Paper 374, Session T28Extrusion. Nanocomposites, pp.5, CD-ROM, 012
TWIN SCREW EXTRUSION OF
McLaughlin E A; Koene B E
Triton Systems Inc.
(SPE)
Nanocomposites were prepared using a polyether-based
polyurethane and 5-15 wt% organically modified
montmorillonite, using a co-rotating twin-screw extruder
with three alternative configurations and two temperature
settings. Filler exfoliation was determined by transmission
electron microscopy, and the nanocomposites were
characterised by measurements of melt flow index, tensile
properties, water vapour and diesel fuel permeability, and
water and fuel resistance. The nanocomposites exhibited
superior properties to those of the neat polymer, optimum
properties being developed in those materials in which good
exfoliation was achieved. It was concluded that the use of
appropriate temperature profiles and screw design resulted
72
Item 81
14, No.11, Nov.2002, p.4654-61
NANOCOMPOSITES: ROLE OF
ORGANOCLAYS
Maiti P; Yamada K; Okamoto M; Ueda K; Okamoto K
Organic modifiers of various chain lengths were examined
in different types of clays, i.e. smectite, montmorillonite
and mica, in order to prepare their corresponding
organoclays. The layered structure and gallery spacing of
organoclays and polylactide nanocomposites showed that,
with a modifier of the same chain length, the gallery spacing
of the organoclay was largest for mica and smallest for
smectite because of the higher ion exchange capacity of
mica and physical jamming of the modifier due to a
restricted conformation at the core part of the clay of larger
size. The increment of the modulus in a smectite
nanocomposite, compared with that of polylactide, was
higher than in MMT or mica nanocomposite due to better
dispersion in a smectite system for the same clay loading.
Smectite nanocomposites exhibited better gas barrier
properties than the MMT or mica systems. 29 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.875596
Item 82
Journal of Macromolecular Science B
B41, No.4-6, 2002, p.1249-65
NUCLEATING EFFECT OF
MONTMORILLONITE NANOPARTICLES IN
POLYPROPYLENE
Pozsgay A; Frater T; Papp L; Sajo I; Pukanszky B
Budapest,Institute of Chemistry; Budapest,University
of Technology & Economics
The nucleation effect of two layered montmorillonite silicates
of different origins was studied in PP. Montmorillonite was
shown significantly to affect the crystallisation of PP. The
effect was highly dependent on the origin and treatment of
the filler, both treatment and composite preparation method
leading to significant changes in the separation distance of
the silicate layers. Even though the composites contained
fillers with more than one population of layer distances, the
nucleating effect was related to the completely collapsed
galleries of 1 nm distance. Apart from gallery distance,
organophilisation also modified the surface tension of the
filler, but this did not influence its nucleating efficiency. The
efficient gallery distance was twice as large as the
characteristic matching lattice dimension determined by Lotz
et al. Although a few observations could not be explained
and the tentative explanation given earlier could need further
verification, the results proved that nucleation did not occur
at the flat surface of the filler but between its galleries, where
polymer molecules could adsorb preferentially. 37 refs.
(European Conference on Macromolecular Physics:
Morphology and Properties of Crystalline Polymers, Eger,
Hungary, Sept.2001)
EASTERN EUROPE; HUNGARY
Accession no.875566
Item 83
39, No.1, Jan.2003, p.85-91
MORPHOLOGY AND PROPERTIES OF
WATERBORNE POLYURETHANE/CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Kim B K; Seo J W; Jeong H M
Pusan,National University; Ulsan,University
The preparation of nanocomposites based upon an aqueous
emulsion of a PU ionomer and organophilic clay and the
particle size, morphology, mechanical properties and
physical properties of these nanocomposites are described.
The effects of the organoclay, which is intercalated or
exfoliated in the PU matrix, on the modulus, tensile
strength, hardness, thermal properties, water resistance and
transparency of the nanocomposites are discussed. 21 refs.
KOREA
Accession no.875408
Item 84
79, No.1, 2003, p.111-21
PROCESSING DEGRADATION OF POLYAMIDE

6/MONTMORILLONITE CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES AND CLAY ORGANIC
MODIFIER
Davis R D; Gilman J W; VanderHart D L
US,National Inst.of Standards & Technology
The thermal degradation of in-situ polymerised
montmorillonite/polyamide-6 nanocomposites during
injection moulding at 300C was investigated and the
injection moulded materials characterised by solution
Carbon-13 NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, GPC and
thermogravimetric analysis. It was found that a four-fold
increase in epsilon-caprolactam content and a significant
reduction in number-average molec.wt. of the processed
polyamide-6 occurred. A possible degradation
mechanism, involving hydrolysis and peptide bond
scission, was developed to account for the results
obtained. 26 refs.
USA
Accession no.875387
Item 85
Polymer
Vol.43, No.22,2002, p.5915-33
EFFECT OF ORGANOCLAY STRUCTURE ON
NYLON 6 NANOCOMPOSITE MORPHOLOGY
AND PROPERTIES
Fornes T D; Yoon P J; Hunter D L; Keskkula H; Paul D R
Texas,University at Austin; Southern Clay Products Inc.
A selected series of organic amine salts were ion
exchanged with sodium montmorillonite to form
organoclays varying in amine structure or exchange
level relative to the clay. Using a twin screw extruder,
each organoclay was melt-mixed with a high molecular
grade of nylon 6 (HMW) and some organoclays were
also mixed with a low molecular grade of nylon 6
(LMW). The effect of amine structure on
nanocomposite morphology and physical properties
was evaluated using wide angle X-ray scattering,
transmission electron microscopy, and stress-strain
behaviour studies. Three surfactant structural factors
were identified which significantly affected
nanocomposite morphology and properties in the case
of the HMW nylon 6. These were decreasing the
number of long alkyl tails from two to one tallows,
using methyl rather than hydroxy-ethyl groups, and
using an equivalent amount of surfactant with the
montmorillonite, rather than adding excess, which leads
to greater extents of silicate platelet exfoliation,
increased moduli, higher yield strengths, and lower
elongation at break. Similar surfactant structure
behaviour was exhibited by LMW nanocomposites.
Overall, higher extents of platelet exfoliation and better
mechanical properties were exhibited by
nanocomposites based on HMW nylon 6 compared with
nanocomposites formed from the LMW polyamide,
irrespective of the organoclay used. An explanation for
73
this trend is the higher melt viscosity and consequent

higher shear stresses generated during melt processing.
36 refs.
USA
Accession no.873361
Item 86
Organic-Inorganic Hybrids II: Science. Technology.
Applications. Proceedings of a conference held
Guildford, UK, 28th-29th May 2002.
Teddington, Paint Research Association, 2002, Paper
28, p.1-6, 29 cm, 012
CURRENT PROBLEMS WITH THE USE OF
REACTIVE MELT PROCESSING TO PRODUCE
CLAY/POLYMER NANOCOMPOSITES
Fengge Gao; Zhaohui Han; Shuaijing Chen; Hull J B
Nottingham,Trent University
(Paint Research Association)
The main problems in using reactive melt processing to
produce clay/polymer nanocomposites are discussed,
particular attention being paid to the degradation of
organoclays and to the lack of understanding of the
mechanism of melt intercalation. Future prospects for the
successful application of melt intercalation in commercial
nanocomposite production are considered. 14 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.873284
Item 87
Organic-Inorganic Hybrids II: Science. Technology.
Applications. Proceedings of a conference held
Guildford, UK, 28th-29th May 2002.
Teddington, Paint Research Association, 2002, Paper
27, p.1-10, 29 cm, 012
MELT COMPOUNDED POLYPROPYLENE/
CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES
Kretzschmar B; Pospiech D; Jehnichen D; Janke A
Dresden,Institute of Polymer Research
(Paint Research Association)
Polypropylene/silicate(montmorillonite) nanocomposites
with improved adhesion between silicate layers and
polymer matrix were prepared by a melt compounding
process. Studies were conducted of the influence of
modification of the layered silicate on the exfoliation, the
influence of interfacial tension between silicate and
polymer matrix and the influence of the process design
on the nanocomposite performance. 7 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.873283
Item 88
42, No.9, Sept.2002, p.1928-37
BIODEGRADABLE POLYESTER LAYERED
74
SILICATE NANOCOMPOSITES BASED ON

POLY(EPSILON-CAPROLACTONE)
Pantoustier N; Lepoittevin B; Alexandre M; Kubies D;
Calberg C; Jerome R; Dubois P
Mons Hainaut,University; Liege,University;
CRESMAP
Nanocomposites based on biodegradable poly(epsiloncaprolactone)(PCL) and layered silicates (montmorillonite(MMT)) were prepared either by melt
intercalation with PCL or by in-situ ring-opening
polymerisation of epsilon-caprolactone as promoted by
the coordination-insertion mechanism. Both non-modified
clays and silicates modified by either non-functional long
alkyl chains or chains terminated by carboxylic acid or
hydroxyl groups were studied. Depending on the surface
modification of MMT, nano- or microcomposites were
obtained with specific mechanical or thermal properties.
It was also shown that the formation of PCL-based
nanocomposites depended not only on the ammonium
cation and related functionality but also, for the same
cation, on the synthetic route. 25 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.873200
Item 89
42, No.9, Sept.2002, p.1907-18
FOAM PROCESSING AND CELLULAR
STRUCTURE OF POLYPROPYLENE/CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Pham Hoai Nam; Maiti P; Okamoto M; Kotaka T;
Nakayama T; Takada M; Ohshima M; Usuki A;
Hasegawa N; Okamoto H
Toyota Technological Institute; Kyoto,University;
Toyota Central R & D Laboratories Inc.
PP/clay nanocomposites(PPCNs) were autoclave-foamed
in a batch process. Foaming was performed using
supercritical carbon dioxide at 10 MPa, within the temp.
range 130.6 to 143.4C, i.e. below the m.p. of either PPCNs
or maleic anhydride(MA)-modified PP matrix without
clay. The foamed PP-MA and PPCN2 (prepared at 130.6C
and containing 2 wt % clay) showed closed cell structures
with pentagonal and/or hexagonal faces, while foams of
PPCN4 and PPCN7.5 (prepared at 143.4C, 4 and 7.5 wt
% clay) had spherical cells. SEM confirmed that foamed
PPCNs had high cell density of 10,000,000 to 100,000,000
cells/mL, cell sizes in the range of 30 to 120 micrometres,
cell wall thicknesses of 5 to 15 micrometres and low
densities of 0.05 to 0.3 g/mol. TEM observations of the
cell structure showed biaxial flow-induced alignment of
clay particles along the cell boundary. The correlation
between foam structure and rheological properties of the
PPCNs is also discussed. 15 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.873198
Item 90
42, No.9, Sept.2002, p.1897-906
ROLE OF CRYSTALLINITY AND
REINFORCEMENT IN THE MECHANICAL
BEHAVIOR OF POLYAMIDE-6/CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Bureau M N; Denault J; Cole K C; Enright G D
Canada,National Research Council
The mechanical behaviour of compression-moulded
polyamide-6 reinforced with 2 wt % organo-nanoclay
(montmorillonite intercalated with omegaaminododecanoic acid) was studied and compared with
that of polyamide-6. The TS and the Youngs modulus of
the polyamide-6/clay were 15% higher than those of
polyamide-6. A crystallinity of 25% with a dual structure
composed of the gamma and alpha forms was observed
in the composite, while a crystallinity of 31% with the
alpha form as the dominant crystalline structure was
obtained in polyamide-6. The improvements in rigidity
and strength observed when montmorillonite was added
to polyamide-6 were found to be related to the reinforcing
filler and not to a modification of the crystalline structure.
21 refs.
CANADA
Accession no.873197
Item 91
42, No.9, Sept.2002, p.1883-96
EFFECT OF PRESSURE AND CLAY ON THE
CRYSTALLIZATION BEHAVIOR AND
KINETICS OF POLYAMIDE-6 IN
NANOCOMPOSITES
Kamal M R; Borse N K; Garcia-Rejon A
McGill University; Canada,National Research Council
Nair S V; Goettler L A; Lysek B A

Massachusetts,University; Akron,University; Solutia
Inc.
Results are presented of a fracture mechanics study of
fracture toughness of polyamide-66 polymers with
different types of nanoscale clay and mixed nanoscale/
microscale particulate reinforcements. Both fracture
initiation and fracture propagation components of
toughness are considered. The results obtained are
compared with toughness levels imparted by conventional
kaolin clay particulate reinforcements. Indirect evidence
is obtained that damage zones of the order of a few
hundred microns form around crack tips, which may be
the reason why the toughness is not optimal in these
composites. 17 refs.
USA
Accession no.873195
Item 93
42, No.9, Sept.2002, p.1864-71
EFFECT OF CRYSTALLIZATION ON THE
STRUCTURE AND MORPHOLOGY OF
POLYPROPYLENE/CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES
Maiti P; Pham Hoai Nam; Okamoto M; Kotaka T;
Hasegawa N; Usuki A
Toyota Technological Institute; Toyota Central R & D
Laboratories Inc.
CANADA
The effect of crystallisation on the structure and

morphology of maleic anhydride-grafted PP/
clay(montmorillonite) nanocomposites(PPCNs) was
studied. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction(WAXD)
measurements of PPCNs crystallised at different temps.
showed that the extent of intercalation increased with the
crystallisation temp. The enhancement of intercalation
occurred with lower clay content PPCNs and maximum
intercalation took place for 4 wt % clay content. A
mechanism of intercalation through crystallisation is
proposed. Excess gamma-form of the crystallite of PPMA appeared in the presence of clay, possibly because of
the confinement of the polymer chain between the clay
particles. WAXD data also revealed that d-spacing
increased gradually with clay content. The decrease of
spherulitic size with increasing clay content was observed,
which indicated that clay particles acted as nucleating
agents. Lamellar textures were examined by small-angle
X-ray scattering and TEM, which showed that both the
lamellar thickness and long period of the PPCNs were
higher than those of PP-MA. 12 refs.
Accession no.873196
JAPAN
Item 92
42, No.9, Sept.2002, p.1872-82
TOUGHNESS OF NANOSCALE AND
MULTISCALE POLYAMIDE-6,6 COMPOSITES
Item 94
42, No.9, Sept.2002, p.1841-51
MANIPULATING THE MICROSTRUCTURE
The crystallisation kinetics of polyamide-6 and its

nanocomposite with 2% clay were studied, using a
pressure dilatometer (50 MPa to 200 MPa) to follow the
volume changes associated with the crystallisation
process. Isobaric experiments were carried out to evaluate
the effect of pressure and clay on m.p. and crystallisation
temp. of polyamide-6. The materials exhibited two
crystallisation zones in these experiments, the initial zone
involving both the gamma-form and the alpha-form of
polyamide-6, while the alpha-form was dominant in the
latter zone. The Avrami equation was used to fit the
isothermal/isobaric crystallisation data. 26 refs.
Accession no.873194
75
AND RHEOLOGY IN POLYMER-ORGANOCLAY

COMPOSITES
Gelfer M; Song H H; Lizhi Liu; Avila-Orta C; Ling
Yang; Mayu Si; Hsiao B S; Chu B; Rafailovich M;
Tsou A H
New York,State University; Hannam,University;
ExxonMobil Chemical Co.
A series of nanocomposites prepared by melt-blending
of cloisite-based organoclays with EVA and neutralised
ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymers (EMA) was
investigated by DSC, small-angle X-ray scattering and
rheological techniques. SAXS results indicated partial
clay exfoliation in all samples. In both EMA and EVA
systems, the nominal m.p. and bulk crystallinity were not
significantly affected by the presence of organoclays,
suggesting that clay particles were predominantly
confined in the amorphous phase. In rheological
measurements (above m.p.), the EVA-clay system
demonstrated a solid-like rheological behaviour under the
small-strain oscillatory shear, yet it was able to yield and
flow under a steady shear, which was the characteristic
of physical crosslinking. In contrast, the EMA-clay system
exhibited a melt-like rheological behaviour, where the
influence of organoclay on the thermorheological
behaviour of the EMA composite was quite minimal. It
was suggested that the carbonyl groups of vinyl acetate
in EVA interacted with the clay surface, resulting in a
strong physically crosslinking-like interaction in the melt.
The interaction between EMA and clay, on the other hand,
was weak because of repulsion between carboxyl anions
and negatively charged clay surface. 22 refs.
USA
Accession no.873192
composites were found to have enhanced storage moduli,

particularly at temps. higher than the Tg of the matrix.
Tgs extracted from linear viscoelastic data were found to
be slightly higher for modified organoclay
nanocomposites, indicating enhanced interactions
between the modified organoclay and the epoxy matrix.
These results were also confirmed by independent
measurements of Tg using DSC. 18 refs.
NANOCOR INC.
CANADA
Accession no.873190
Item 96
42, No.9, Sept.2002, p.1815-26
HIGH PERFORMANCE EPOXY-LAYERED
Kornmann X; Thomann R; Muelhaupt R; Finter J;
Berglund L A
Lulea,University of Technology; AlbertLudwigs,University; Vantico AG
Nanocomposites based on high performance epoxy resin
were synthesised using fluorohectorite modified by means
of interlayer cation exchange using cations such as
protonated dihydroimidazolines and octadecylamine. The
influence of these surface modifiers on curing reactions
and on the Tg of the epoxy matrix was examined. The
morphology and the mechanical properties of these high
performance epoxy-layered silicate nanocomposites were
also investigated. 26 refs.
SCANDINAVIA; SWEDEN; SWITZERLAND; WESTERN
EUROPE
Accession no.873189
Item 95
42, No.9, Sept.2002, p.1827-35
POLYMERIZATION COMPOUNDING: EPOXYMONTMORILLONITE NANOCOMPOSITES
Wei Feng; Ait-Kadi A; Riedl B
Quebec,Universite Laval
A strategy for the design of intercalated montmorillonite
nanocomposites was devised. A commercial organoclay,
1.34 TCN (Nanocor Inc.) with bis(2-hydroxyethyl)methyl
tallow ammonium, was modified by TDI and bisphenolA(BA). TGA, FTIR spectroscopy and X-ray
diffraction(XRD) results of unmodified and modified 1.34
TCN(1.34-TDI-BA) indicated that TDI and BA reacted
with hydroxyl groups on the surface of 1.34 TCN and
hydroxyl groups in the interlayer of 1.34 TCN. Using a
classical two-stage cure process with diamine as curing
agent, intercalated epoxy nanocomposites were prepared
for both types of organoclays. XRD and TEM results
showed that the basal spacing of clay in nanocomposites
was 3.68 and 4.42 nm for 1.34 TCN and 1.34-TDI-BA,
respectively. DMA was performed on both modified and
unmodified organoclay composites. Modified organoclay
76
Item 97
42, No.9, Sept.2002, p.1800-7
POLYPROPYLENE/CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES:
EFFECT OF COMPATIBILIZER ON THE
THERMAL, CRYSTALLIZATION AND
DYNAMIC MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR
Hambir S; Bulakh N; Jog J P
India,National Chemical Laboratory
PP/clay nanocomposites were prepared using different
grades of PP, compatibilisers and organically-modified
clays. The melt intercalation of the PP was carried out in
the presence of a compatibiliser. The nanocomposites
were characterised for structure and properties using
various techniques. X-ray diffraction results indicated
well-defined structures. TGA indicated improved thermal
stability of PP/clay nanocomposites. Isothermal
crystallisation studies carried out using DSC illustrated
enhanced crystallisation of PP in all the nanocomposites.
Optical microscopic studies demonstrated that the
nanocomposites could be crystallised at higher temps.,
exhibiting well-defined birefringent structures. DMA

revealed higher storage moduli over a temp. range of 40C to 120C for nanocomposites and the extent of
increase in the storage modulus was dependent on the
type of compatibiliser used. 20 refs.
using Schaperys equation. Nanocomposites containing

5% clay exhibited similar viscoelastic behaviour to that
of pure PP at low stress values. 6 refs.
USA
Accession no.872885
INDIA
Accession no.873187
Item 98
May 2002.
Brookfield, Ct., SPE, 2002, Paper 275, Session T5Engineering Properties and Structure. Polypropylene
Nanocomposites, pp.5, CD-ROM, 012
SKIN-CORE EFFECTS IN POLYPROPYLENE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Hernandez-Luna A; DSouza N A; Ranade A;
Drewniak M
North Texas,University; Solvay Engineering Polymers
(SPE)
Nanocomposites were prepared by blending
polypropylene (PP), maleated polypropylene (mPP) and
an organically-modified montmorillonite. The
nanocomposites were characterised by transmission
electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and measurements
of thermal emissivity, tensile strength and fracture
toughness. The clay was exfoliated in the bulk, whilst an
intercalated structure was observed at the surface. This
skin-core effect resulted in anisotropic properties. The
addition of mPP to PP decreased the mechanical
properties, but the clay additions restored the tensile
properties and substantially increased the fracture
toughness. 6 refs.
USA
Accession no.872887
Item 99
May 2002.
Brookfield, Ct., SPE, 2002, Paper 273, Session T5Engineering Properties and Structure. Polypropylene
Nanocomposites, pp.5, CD-ROM, 012
CREEP AND TENSILE BEHAVIOR OF
POLYPROPYLENE NANOCOMPOSITES
Hernandez-Luna A; DSouza N A
North Texas,University
(SPE)
Nanocomposites of polypropylene with 1-5%
montmorillonite, with and without an addition of maleated
PP as a compatibiliser, were prepared and the structures
studied by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron
microscopy. Creep-recovery tests were performed on
injection moulded samples. Master curves and shift factors
were determined based on horizontal and vertical shifts
Item 100
ACS Polymeric Materials: Science and Engineering.
Spring Meeting. Volume 84. Proceedings of a
conference held San Diego, Ca., 1st-5th April 2001.
Washington, D.C., ACS,Div.of Polymeric Materials
Science & Engng., 2001, Paper 354, p.645-6, 27cm, 012
SYNTHESIS OF PMR-15/LAYERED SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Islam M; Dean D R; Small S; Campbell S
Tuskegee,University; US,NASA,Glenn Research
Center
(ACS,Div.of Polymeric Materials Science & Engng.)
Novel polyimide-clay nanocomposites were produced by
dispersing unmodified and modified montmorillonite
clays into a polyamic acid solution and the properties of
the nanocomposites determined by wide angle X-ray
diffraction, TGA and dynamic mechanical analysis. The
intercalated and exfoliated morphologies, heat stability
and storage modulus of the nanocomposites are discussed.
7 refs.
USA
Accession no.872817
Item 101
Plastics Additives & Compounding
4, No.10, Oct.2002, p.22-8
NANOCOMPOSITES - A NEW CLASS OF
FLAME RETARDANTS FOR POLYMERS
Beyer G
Kabelwerk Eupen AG
In this long and detailed article, the author reviews the
current state of development of nanocomposites as a new
class of flame retardants for polymers. Section headings
include: introduction, layered silicates as fillers,
nanocomposite synthesis, nanocomposite structures,
nanocomposite properties, thermal stability, flame
retardancy, flame retardant combinations, and
conclusions.
US,NATIONAL INST.OF STANDARDS &
TECHNOLOGY
BELGIUM; EUROPE-GENERAL; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY;
EUROPEAN UNION; USA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.872695
Item 102
Macromolecules
35, No.22, 22nd Oct.2002, p.8385-90
POLYCAPROLACTONE/CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES BY IN SITU
INTERCALATIVE POLYMERIZATION
77
CATALYZED BY DIBUTYLTIN DIMETHOXIDE

Lepoittevin B; Pantoustier N; Devalckenaere M;
Alexandre M; Kubies D; Calberg C; Jerome R; Dubois P
Mons,University; Liege,University
Polycaprolactone/clay nanocomposites were prepared by
ring-opening polymerisation using dibutyltin dimethoxide
as initiator/catalyst. The effect of surface modification,
surface reactivity, and concentration of clay on the
molecular weight of the composite were investigated.
Morphology was characterised using X-ray diffraction and
TEM. Resistance against thermal degradation was also
compared by TGA. 27 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.872476
Item 103
SPE Automotive TPO Global Conference 2002.
Proceedings of a conference held Dearborn, Mi., 30th
Sept-2nd Oct.2002.
Brookfield, Ct., SPE, 2002, Materials Session, p.121-9,
27cm, 012
TPO/CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES:
MORPHOLOGY AND MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES
Mirabella F M; Bafna A; Rufener K; Mehta S
Equistar Chemicals LP; Cincinnati,University
(SPE,Detroit Section)
Thermoplastic olefin (TPO)/clay nanocomposites are
made at clay loadings from 0.6 to 5.6. The morphology
of these TPO/Clay nanocomposites is investigated with
atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission
electron microscopy (TEM). The EPR particle
morphology in the TPO is found to undergo progressive
particle break-up and decrease in particle size, as clay
loading increases in the range from 0.6 to 5.6% clay. TEM
micrographs show that the clay platelets preferentially
segregate to the rubber-particle interface. The clay
platelets, and/or the accompanying chemical modifiers
on the clay, apparently act as an interfacial agent, reducing
the interfacial tension with concomitant reduction in
particle size. Flexural modulus increases monotonically
as clay loading increases. Impact strength modestly
improves or is maintained at lower clay loadings and
decreases sharply at the highest clay loading. 6 refs.
USA
Accession no.872079
Item 104
14, No.9, Sept.2002, p.3837-43
COMPARISON OF VARIOUS METHODS FOR
THE PREPARATION OF POLYSTYRENE AND
POLY(METHYL METHACRYLATE) CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Dongyan Wang; Jin Zhu; Qiang Yao; Wilkie C A
78
Marquette,University; Brooklyn,Polytechnic University

Polymer-clay nanocomposites of styrene and methyl
methacrylate were prepared by bulk, solution, suspension
and emulsion polymerisations and by melt blending. Two
different organic modifications of montmorillonite were
used, one containing a styryl monomer on the ammonium
ion and the other having no double bond. The organic
modification as well as the mode of preparation
determined whether the material would be exfoliated or
intercalated. Exfoliation was more likely to occur if the
ammonium ion contained a double bond which could
participate in the polymerisation reaction, but the mere
presence of this double bond was not sufficient always to
produce an exfoliated system. Solution polymerisation
also produced intercalated systems. Neither TGA nor the
tensile modulus could be used to evaluate the type of
nanocomposite that had been formed. 21 refs.
USA
Accession no.871155
Item 105
14, No.9, Sept.2002, p.3776-85
NANOCOMPOSITES FROM THERMALLY
STABLE TRIALKYLIMIDAZOLIUM-TREATED
MONTMORILLONITE
Gilman J W; Awad W H; Davis R D; Shields J; Harris
R H; Davis C; Morgan A B; Sutto T E; Callahan J;
Trulove P C; DeLong H C
US,National Inst.of Standards & Technology; US,Naval
Research Laboratory; US,Naval Academy
Several trialkylimidazolium salt derivatives were prepared
with propyl, butyl, decyl and hexadecyl alkyl chains
attached to the imidazolium through one of the nitrogens.
These imidazolium salts were used to prepare the
corresponding treated layered silicates. The use of 1-alkyl2,3-dimethylimidazolium(I) salts to replace the sodium
in natural montmorillonite(MMT) was shown to give
organophilic MMT with a 100C improvement in thermal
stability (in nitrogen) as compared with the
alkylammonium-treated MMT. The use of I salt in
fluorinated synthetic mica also gave a 100C improvement
in thermal stability. The use of 1,2-dimethyl-3hexadecylimidazolium-treated MMT gave an exfoliated
nylon-6 nanocomposite and, depending on processing
conditions, either a partially exfoliated or an intercalated
PS nanocomposite. 40 refs.
USA
Accession no.871153
Item 106
Polymer
43, No.23, 2002, p.6147-57
STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION AND
TRANSPORT PROPERTIES OF ORGANICALLY
MODIFIED MONTMORILLONITE/
Tortora M; Gorrasi G; Vittoria V; Galli G; Ritrovati S;
Chiellini E
Salerno,University; Pisa,University
PU-organically
modified
montmorillonite
nanocomposites (montmorillonite contents between 4
and 40 wt%) were prepared by a three-step process
using diphenylmethane diisocyanate, poly(epsiloncaprolactone), di(ethylene glycol) and poly(epsiloncaprolactone)-organically modified montmorillonite
nanocomposites. Exfoliation occurred for low
montmorillonite contents but for high contents, the
intercalated clay rearranged to a minor extent. The
elastic modulus and yield stress improved but the stress
and strain at break decreased with increasing clay
content. The sorption of water vapour or
dichloromethane did not change very much with
increasing clay content but the zero-concentration
diffusion parameter decreased strongly with increasing
clay content. The permeability was largely dominated
by the diffusion parameter and showed a remarkable
decrease up to 20 wt% of clay and levelled off at higher
contents. 33 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.870948
Item 107
China Synthetic Rubber Industry
25, No.3, 2002, p.173
SYNTHESIS OF RESOLE/MONTMORILLONITE
NANOCOMPOSITE BY INTERCALATION
POLYMERISATION
Xinming L; Xialin L; Daming W
Beijing,University of Chemical Technology
Phenolic resin-layered-silicated nanocomposite has
attracted interest recently, due to its excellent heat
resistance and mechanical properties. Most studies
have been concentrated on novolac resin, as it usually
has a linear molecular structure, which make it easier
to be inserted into clay galleries than resole resin. Few
studies have been reported on resole resin as it usually
has a 3D structure even before it is cured. A different
polymerisation method, solution polymerisation, is
proposed to minimise or overcome this problem.
Montmorillonite is dipped in the monometer to make
monometer enter the galleries of montmorillonite
before the reaction. When the polymer is synthesised
in the galleries of montmorillonite, the silicated layers
are dispersed among polymers in nanoscale. The
product is characterised by X-ray diffraction and
transmission electron microscopy. The improved
property of heat resistance is also analysed by
thermogravimetry. 2 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.870509
Item 108
Polymer Preprints. Volume 41, Number 1. Proceedings
of a conference held San Francisco, Ca., March 2000.
Washington D.C., ACS,Div. of Polymer Chemistry,
2000, p.521-2, 28 cm, 012
SYNTHESIS OF A PMMA-LAYERED SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITE BY SUSPENSION
POLYMERIZATION
Huang X; Brittain W J
Akron,University
A PMMA-layered silicate nanocomposite was prepared
by in-situ suspension polymerisation using either AIBN
or 2,2'-azobis(isobutylamidine hydrochloride) (AIBA), as
initiator, and the mechanism of polymerisation and
structures of the resulting nanocomposites investigated
by means of wide angle X-ray diffraction. Two different
polymerisation mechanisms are illustrated and the
structure of the nanocomposite produced using AIBA as
polymerisation initiator is shown to be of the exfoliated
type, which is preserved after melt pressing. 19 refs.
USA
Accession no.870373
Item 109
Polymers for Advanced Technologies
13, No.9, Sept. 2002, p.649-52
BARRIER PROPERTY OF CLAY/
ACRYLONITRILE-BUTADIENE COPOLYMER
NANOCOMPOSITE
Nah C; Ryu H J; Kim W D; Choi S-S
Chonbuk,National University; Korea,Institute of
Machinery & Materials; Chungnam,National
University
A nanocomposite was prepared by melt mixing an organotreated montmorillonite into an NBR matrix and curing
the mixture with benzoyl peroxide at 170C in a
compression mould. The effect of clay content on the
barrier properties of the nanocomposite was investigated
and the experimental results compared with predicted
values obtained using Neilsons tortuous model. Addition
of a small amount of organoclay was found to markedly
improve the barrier properties of the nanocomposite. 11
refs.
KOREA
Accession no.870356
Item 110
86, No.6, 7th Nov.2002, p.1497-506
POLYLACTIDE/MONTMORILLONITE
NANOCOMPOSITES AND MICROCOMPOSITES
PREPARED BY MELT BLENDING: STRUCTURE
AND SOME PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
Pluta M; Galeski A; Alexandre M; Paul M-A; Dubois P
Polish Academy of Sciences; Mons Hainaut,University
79
Polylactide-based nanocomposites loaded with 3 wt%

organomodified montmorillonite and polylactide-based
microcomposites loaded with 3 wt% sodium
montmorillonite were prepared by melt blending. The
morphological and thermal properties of the composites
were studied and were compared with unfilled
polylactide with the same thermomechanical history. The
good affinity between the organomodified clay and
polylactide was sufficient to form an intercalated
structure in the nanocomposite. The microcomposite
formed a phase separated microstructure. The nature of
the filler affected the ordering of the polylactide matrix
at the molecular and supermolecular levels. The
nanocomposites showed improved thermal stability in
air and reduced flammability, together with char
formation, compared with the microcomposite and
unfilled polylactide. 19 refs.
EASTERN EUROPE; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN
UNION; FRANCE; POLAND; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.868786
Item 111
Polymer
43, No.11, 2002, p.3247-55
RHEOLOGICAL BEHAVIOR OF
MULTIWALLED CARBON NANOTUBE/
POLYCARBONATE COMPOSITES
Potschke P; Fornes T D; Paul D R
Texas,University at Austin
The rheological behaviour of compression moulded
mixtures of polycarbonate containing between 0.5 and
15 wt% of multiwalled carbon nanotubes was studied
by means of oscillatory rheometry at 260C. The
composites were obtained by diluting a masterbatch
containing 15 wt% carbon nanotubes using a twin-screw
extruder. The increase in viscosity associated with the
addition of the nanotubes was much greater than
viscosity changes caused by carbon nanofibres having
larger diameters, and for carbon black composites and
was explained by the higher aspect ratio of the
nanotubes. The increase in viscosity was accompanied
by an increase in the elastic melt properties, represented
by the storage modulus, which was much higher than
the increase in the loss modulus. The viscosity curves
above 2 wt% nanotubes showed a larger decrease with
frequency than samples containing lower nanotube
loadings. Composites containing more than 2 wt%
nanotubes showed non-Newtonian behaviour at lower
frequencies. A step increase at about 2 wt% nanotubes
was seen in the viscosity-composition curves at low
frequencies and this step change was regarded as a
rheological threshold. Eventually, the rheological
threshold coincided with the electrical conductivity
percolation threshold which occurred between 1 and 2
wt% nanotubes. 41 refs.
USA
Accession no.868752
80
Item 112
May 2002.
Brookfield, Ct., SPE, 2002, Paper 194, Session M38Rotational Molding Materials, pp.4, CD-ROM, 012
DEVELOPMENT OF NANOCOMPOSITES TO
ENHANCE FUNCTIONALITY OF MATERIALS
FOR ROTATIONAL MOLDING
Martin D; Halley P; Truss R; Murphy M; Meusburger S;
Jackson O
Queensland,University; Queensland Manufacturing
Institute
(SPE)
Polyethylene-clay and castable thermoset polyurethaneclay nanocomposites for rotational moulding applications
are reviewed. The clay particles have a high aspect ratio
and may be natural or produced synthetically by
hydrothermal synthesis. They require surface treatment
to render them organophilic and suitable for intercalation
by the polymer. In two-part polyurethane systems, the
clay is dispersed in one of the low viscosity components
by high shear homogenisation or ultrasonic probe prior
to mixing. Introduction into polyethylene, which usually
requires maleating to enhance compatibility, may be by
masterbatch or one-step compounding. Low shear
viscosity and melt elasticity, desirable for sintering during
moulding, are obtained by the use of unmodified mica
and synthetic magadite, whilst the use of surface-treated
mica and natural montmorillonite result in significant
viscosity and elasticity increases. 13 refs.
AUSTRALIA
Accession no.868460
Item 113
May 2002.
Brookfield, Ct., SPE, 2002, Paper 193, Session M38Rotational Molding Materials, pp.6, CD-ROM, 012
IMPROVING POLYETHYLENE
PERFORMANCE - THE USE OF
NANOCOMPOSITES IN ZIEGLER-NATTA
POLYETHYLENE FOR ROTATIONAL
MOULDING
Murphy M J; Martin D J; Truss R; Halley P
Queensland,University
(SPE)
Nanocomposites were prepared by melt blending a
conventional medium density polyethylene containing 1%
maleic anhydride with 6 wt% or 9 wt% of two organicallymodified clays, using a co-rotating twin screw extruder.
The nanocomposites were characterised by dynamic
mechanical thermal analysis, X-ray diffraction,
crystallinity determination by differential scanning
calorimetry, and parallel plate rheology studies, using
compression moulded samples. The organoclay additions
increased the melt viscosity, and also the storage moduli,

particularly at higher temperatures. A slight increase in
crystallinity was also observed. 7 refs.
AUSTRALIA
Accession no.868459
Item 114
Composites International
No.53, Sept.-Oct.2002, p.85-6
English; French
MONTMORILLONITE FOR PLASTIC
REINFORCEMENT
Hunter D L
Southern Clay Products Inc.
Clay-based polymer nanocomposites are plastics that have
nanometre-thick clay mineral added to improve the
plastics functionality in several possible ways:
reinforcement, thermal properties, barrier and flame
retardancy. Montmorillonite has been used most
extensively. Cloisite clay products supplied by Southern
Clay Products have a nominal size of eight microns, but
there are more than one million platelets in one particle.
The delamination and dispersion to the platelet level is
called exfoliation. Good exfoliation allows one to take
advantage of the properties of montmorillonite: a surface
area of 750 m2/g, an aspect ratio greater than 50 and a
flexural modulus of about 170 GPa.
USA
Accession no.868140
Item 115
Polymer
43, No.20, 2002, p.5483-91
INFLUENCE OF CLAY EXFOLIATION ON THE
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES OF
MONTMORILLONITE/POLYETHYLENE
COMPOSITES
Gopakumar T G; Lee J A; Kontopoulou M; Parent J S
Kingston,Queens University
Conventional montmorillonite clay/PE composites and
nanocomposites of exfoliated montomorillonite platelets
dispersed in a maleated PE matrix were prepared by melt
compounding. The clay platelet exfoliation in the
maleated PE nanocomposites significantly reduced the
degree of crystallinity and increased the polymer
crystallisation rates. Studies of the non-isothermal
crystallisation kinetics indicated that the exfoliated clay
promoted heterogeneous nucleation and two-dimensional
crystallite growth. PE/clay composites showed modest
increases in their rheological properties and Youngs
modulus. The nanoscale dimensions of the dispersed clay
platelets in the nanocomposites led to significant increases
in viscous and elastic properties and improved stiffness.
A mechanism for these changes was suggested. 31 refs.
CANADA
Accession no.868065
Item 116
Washington D.C., ACS,Div.of Polymer Chemistry,
2000, p.591-2, 28cm, 012
EXFOLIATION OF MONTMORILLONITES IN
EPOXY
In-Joo Chin; Thurn-Albrecht T; Ho-Cheol Kim;
Russell T P
The formation of epoxy-montmorillonite nanocomposites
was investigated using time-dependent small angle X-ray
scattering using synchrotron radiation and rotating anode
X-ray radiation, DSC and atomic force microscopy. The
influence of amine curing agent on clay exfoliation was
examined and the necessity for the curing reaction to
produce exfoliated nanocomposites investigated.
Exfoliated nanocomposites were formed when diglycidyl
ether of Bisphenol A (DGEBA) was self-polymerised with
montmorillonites or when DGEBA was cured with an
amine of less than equimolar concentration. An analysis
of the exothermic heat evolved during exfoliation revealed
that exfoliated nanocomposites could be produced without
completion of the reaction. 11 refs.
USA
Accession no.867931
Item 117
Washington D.C., ACS,Div.of Polymer Chemistry,
2000, p.589-60, 28cm, 012
PREPARATION OF POLYCARBONATELAYERED SILICATE NANOCOMPOSITES
Xinyu Huang; Lewis S; Brittain W J; Vaia R A
Akron,University; Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
The preparation of intercalated and partially exfoliated
polycarbonate nanocomposites from polycarbonate cyclic
oligomers and an organically modified layered silicate
and their characterisation by means of wide angle X-ray
diffraction, TEM and gel-permeation chromatography are
described. Preparative techniques involved compounding
in a Brabender mixer and ring opening polymerisation.
Factors important in the formation of nanocomposites are
identified as molecular architecture, viscosity and shear.
20 refs.
USA
Accession no.867930
Item 118
40, No.15, 1st Aug.2002, p.1690-703
SYNTHESIS AND STRUCTURAL
CHARACTERIZATIONS OF CHROMOPHORE+-
81
SAPONITE/POLYURETHANE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Wu-Jing Wang; Wei-Kuo Chin; Wan-Ju Wang
Taiwan,National Tsing Hua University
Non-linear optical nanocomposite materials were
prepared by intercalating three different non-linear optical
chromophores into layered aluminosilicate saponite and
then dispersing the intercalated choromophore/saponite
complexes into the PU matrix. The nanocomposite system
showed excellent compatibility between the clay and PU,
although the clay content was as high as 15 wt%. In most
guest-host non-linear optical polymer systems, the glass
transition temperature decreases with increasing
chromophore content, but in the system studied here, the
glass transition temperature of the synthesised
nanocomposite proportionally increased with the clay
content. The preparation method described in this paper
provided a nanocomposite film with high molecular order
and thermal stability. 39 refs.
TAIWAN
Accession no.867521
Item 119
Polymer
43, No.19, 2002, p.5117-24
GLASS TRANSITION TEMPERATURES OF
POLY(HYDROXYSTYRENE-COVINYLPYRROLIDONE-CO-ISOBUTYLSTYRYL
POLYHEDRAL OLIGOSILSESQUIOXANES)
Hongyao Xu; Shiao-Wei Kuo; Juh-Shyong Lee; FengChih Chang
Taiwan,National Chiao-Tung University;
Anhui,University
A series of poly(hydroxystyrene-co-vinylpyrrolidone-coisobutylstyryl polyhedral oligosilsesquioxanes) (PHSPVP-POSS) hybrid polymers with various POSS contents
were prepared and characterised. They were synthesised
by the free radical copolymerisation of acetoxystyrene,
vinylpyrrolidone with styrylisobutylpolyhedral
oligosesquioxanes, and then selective removal of the
acetyl protective group. POSS content of the hybrid
polymers is controlled by varying the feed ratio of
reactants. Hydrogen bonds are formed between the POSS
siloxane and the PHS hydroxyl in the polymer to form
the physically crosslinked POSS structure. This physically
crosslinked POSS restricts the polymer chain motion and
causes a significant increase in the Tg of the polymers,
even with small amounts of POSS. The mechanism of Tg
enhancement was investigated using DSC, FTIR and
GPC. 25 refs.
CHINA; TAIWAN
Accession no.866520
Item 120
Polymer Bulletin
49, No.1, Aug. 2002, p.69-76
82
STRUCTURE AND THERMAL PROPERTIES OF

COMPATIBILIZED PET/EXPANDABLE
FLUORINE MICA NANOCOMPOSITES
Saujanya C; Imai Y; Tateyama H
AIST
A series of PETP/expanded fluorine mica nanocomposites
containing various amounts of 10-(3,5-bis(methoxycarbonyl)phenoxy)decyltriphenylphosphonium bromide
(BPB), as compatibiliser, was prepared by in-situ
polymerisation and the structure and thermal properties
of these compatibilised nanocomposites investigated by
X-ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry.
The data obtained indicated that BPB enhanced the
miscibility between the PETP and the mica, resulting in
the formation of exfoliated structures. 17 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.866373
Item 121
Rheologica Acta
41, No.5, Aug.2002, p.394-407
DYNAMIC MELT FLOW OF
NANOCOMPOSITES BASED ON POLYEPSILON-CAPROLACTAM
Utracki L A; Lyngaae-Jorgensen J
National Research Council of Canada;
Denmark,Technical University
The dynamic flow behaviour of polyamide-6 and a
nanocomposite(PNC) based on it, containing 2 wt %
organoclay, was studied. The two materials were blended
in proportions of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100 wt % PNC. The
dynamic shear rheological properties of well-dried
specimens were measured under nitrogen at a temperature
of 240C, a frequency of 0.1-100 rad/s and a strain of 10
and 40%. The results obtained are discussed with reference
to time sweeps, strain sweeps, frequency sweeps-loss
modulus, intrinsic viscosity and the aspect ratio, apparent
yield stress and frequency sweeps-storage modulus. 27 refs.
CANADA; DENMARK; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY;
EUROPEAN UNION; SCANDINAVIA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.866005
Item 122
Polymer Preprints. Volume 42. Number 1. Spring 2001.
Papers presented at the ACS Meeting held San Diego,
Cal., 1st-5th April 2001.
2001, p.640-1, 28cm, 012
BIODEGRADABLE ALIPHATIC POLYESTER/
MONTMORILLONITE NANOCOMPOSITES
Lim S T; Hyun Y H; Choi H J; Jhon M S
Nanocomposites were prepared from a biodegradable
aliphatic polyester and organophilic montmorillonite
(OMM) by solvent casting and their rheological properties

investigated. It was found that these nanocomposites
exhibited shear-thinning behaviour and improved storage
and loss moduli with OMM loading and obeyed the Cox
and Merz rule. 17 refs.
KOREA; USA
Accession no.865245
Item 123
Cal., 1st-5th April 2001.
2001, p.634-5, 28cm, 012
PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES OF
NANOCOMPOSITES BASED ON
POLYSULFONES AND AN ORGANOCLAY
Sun H; Sur G S; Beaucage G; Mark J E
Cincinnati,University; Yeungnam,University
Polysulphone/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared
by mixing montmorillonite with a polysulphone and
solvent casting and characterised by means of X-ray
diffraction, small angle X-ray scattering, TEM, TGA and
tensile testing. The organoclay was found to be exfoliated
into nanoscale layers and homogeneously dispersed in
the polysulphone matrix. The nanocomposites exhibited
improved tensile properties and heat stability over the pure
polymer. 7 refs.
KOREA; USA
Accession no.865242
Item 124
Vol.183, 2002, p.95-102
LAYERED SILICATE/POLYESTER
NANOHYBRIDS BY CONTROLLED RINGOPENING POLYMERISATION
Lepoittevin B; Pantoustier N; Alexandre M; Calberg C;
Jerome R; Dubois P
Mons Hainaut,University; Liege,University;
CRESMAP
Layered silicate/aliphatic polyester nanohybrids are
synthesised by ring-opening polymerisation of Ecaprolactone as promoted by the so-called co-ordinationinsertion mechanism. These nanocomposites are formed
in the presence of montmorillonite surface-modified by
ammonium cations bearing hydroxyl group(s), such as
bis(2-hydroxyethyl)methyl (hydrogenated tallow alkyl)
ammonium. The lactone polymerisation can be initiated
by all the hydroxyl functions available at the clay surface,
after activation into either tin(II) or Al(III) alkoxide active
species. Hybrid nanocomposites are accordingly
generated through the covalent grafting of every polyester
chain onto the filler surface. Surface-grafted
polycaprolactone (PCL) chains are untied and isolated
by ionic exchange reaction with LiCl in THF solution

and molar masses are measured by size exclusion
chromatography. The PCL molar masses can be controlled
and readily tuned by the content of hydroxyl groups
available at the clay surface. Interestingly, initiation
reaction by aluminium trialkoxide active species yields
grafted PCL chains characterised by very narrow
molecular weight distribution. These polyester-grafted
layered silicate nanohybrids display complete exfoliation
of silicate sheets as shown by X-ray diffraction and
transmission electron microscopy. 7 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.864767
Item 125
Ca., 1st-5th April 2001.
2001, p.354-5, 28cm, 012
FORMATION OF SELF GENERATING,
INORGANIC PASSIVATION LAYER ON NYLON
6/LAYERED SILICATE NANOCOMPOSITE
Hao Fong; Vaia R A; Sanders J H; Lincoln D; John P J;
Vreugdenhil A J; Bultman J; Cerbus C A; Jeon H G
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Nanoscale dispersion of only a few percentage of layered
silicate (montomorillonite) in nylon-6 was shown to result
in the formation of a uniform passivation layer upon
exposure to oxygen plasma. The resulting inorganic layer
significantly retarded the penetration of oxygen plasma
and prevented further polymer degradation. The
nanocomposite concept could thus potentially enhance
the survivability of polymeric materials in extreme
environments, especially in low earth orbit against atomic
oxygen. 3 refs.
USA
Accession no.863948
Item 126
40, No.16, 15th Aug.2002, p.1741-53
MELT BLENDING OF ETHYLENE-VINYL
ALCOHOL COPOLYMER/CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES: EFFECT OF THE CLAY
TYPE AND PROCESSING CONDITIONS
Artzi N; Nir Y; Narkis M; Siegmann A
Technion-Israel Institute of Technology
Ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer(EVOH)/clay
nanocomposites were prepared via dynamic melt blending
and the effect of processing parameters on blends
containing two clay types in different amounts was
examined. The clays were an onium ion-modified
montmorillonite and a modified montmorillonite
83
containing 30-40 wt % poly(oxyethylene

decyloxypropylamine). X-ray diffraction showed
advanced EVOH intercalation within the galleries,
whereas TEM images indicated exfoliation. A dilution
process with EVOH and clay treatment in an ultrasonic
bath before melt blending did not add to the intercalation
level. Different trends were observed for the EVOHs
containing the two different clay treatments. The m.p.,
crystallisation temp. and heat of fusion of the EVOH
matrix decreased sharply with both increasing clay content
and processing times. 15 refs.
ISRAEL
Accession no.863601
Item 127
77, No.2, 2002, p.299-304
THERMAL DEGRADATION AND
RHEOLOGICAL BEHAVIOUR OF EVA/
Riva A; Zanetti M; Braglia M; Camino G; Falqui L
Torino,Universita; TILAB; GenovaIstituto di Studi
Chimico-Fisici di Macromol.Sint.e Nat.
Various modified phyllosilicates and EVA were mixed at
120C in a Brabender mixer in order to obtain polymer
layered silicate nanocomposites. Exfoliated
nanocomposites were obtained with montmorillonite
exchanged
with
methyl
tallow
bis(2hydroxyethyl)ammonium and fluorohectorite exchanged
with octadecylammonium, whereas with montmorillonite
exchanged with dimethyl dehydrogenated tallow
ammonium and fluorohectorite exchanged with amino
dodecanoic acid an intercalated nanocomposite and a
microcomposite were obtained, respectively. It was
demonstrated that a low silicate percentage (10%)
nanodispersed in the polymer matrix was capable of
markedly reducing the influence of oxygen during
thermooxidation and substantially increasing the storage
modulus of the material. The acid catalysis of acetic acid
elimination observed on heating EVA nanocomposites in
nitrogen was more effective in the case of exfoliated
morphologies. 11 refs. (8th European Conference on Fire
Retardant Polymers, Alessandria, Italy, June 2001)
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.863592
Item 128
Polymer
43, No.18, 2002, p.5011-6
SOLID-STATE ELECTROLYTE
POLYETHYLENE OXIDE,
POLYOXYPROPYLENE DIAMINE, MINERAL
CLAY AND LITHIUM PERCHLORATE
Chen H-W; Chiu C-Y; Wu H-D; Shen I-W; Chang F-C
Taiwan,National Chiao-Tung University
84
Details are given of the preparation of a polyelectrolyte

nanocomposite consisting of polyoxypropylene diamine and
mineral clay. Specific interactions among silicate layer,
polymer, ether oxygen, and lithium cation were investigated
using DSC, alternating current impedance and FTIR. 29 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.862373
Item 129
Polymer
43, No.18, 2002, p.4967-72
POLYMORPHISM IN POLYAMIDE 66/CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Liu X; Wu Q; Berglund L A
Lulea,University of Technology
Polyamide 66/clay nanocomposites were prepared via
melt compounding by using a new kind of organophilic
clay which was obtained through co-intercalation of epoxy
resin and quaternary ammonium into sodiummontmorillonite. Silicate layers were dispersed
homogeneously and nearly exfoliated in nylon-66 matrix.
The effect of the silicate layers on the crystallisation rate
was determined. 55 refs.
EUROPEAN UNION; SCANDINAVIA; SWEDEN; WESTERN
EUROPE
Accession no.862367
Item 130
Polymer
43, No.18, 2002, p.4895-904
INTERLAYER EXPANSION MECHANISM AND
THERMAL-MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF
SURFACE-INITIATED EPOXY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Chen J-S; Poliks M D; Ober C K; Zhang Y; Wiesner U;
Giannelis E
Cornell University
The exfoliation mechanism and thermal-mechanical
properties of surface-initiated epoxy resin nanocomposites
were studied. The interlayer expansion mechanism was
examined using time-resolved high-temperature X-ray
diffraction, DSC, and isothermal rheological analysis.
Differences in the activation energies of interlayer
expansion and of curing on the final nanostructures of
the materials were determined. Variations in ultimate
properties were attributed to the formation of an interphase
layer, where the interphase is hypothesised to be the epoxy
matrix plasticised by surfactant chains. 34 refs.
USA
Accession no.862360
Item 131
14, No.7, July 2002, p.3016-21
SYNTHESIS AND PROPERTIES OF
COVALENTLY BONDED LAYERED SILICATES/
POLYIMIDE (BTDA-ODA) NANOCOMPOSITES
Leu C-M; Wu Z-W; Wei K-H

Covalently bonded layered silicates/polyimide (BTDAODA) nanocomposites are synthesised from gamma(aminopropyl)triethoxysilane (APTS) grafted kenyaite
and polyamic acid. The existence of covalent bonds
between APTS and silicates and between APTS and the
dianhydride end groups of the polymer are confirmed by
solid-state 13C and 29Si NMR and IR spectroscopy,
respectively. The thermal, mechanical and moisture
absorption retardation properties of these nanocomposites
are found to improve substantially over those of neat
BTDA-ODA. In particular, a maximum increase of 36
deg.C in the degradation temperature and a maximum
reduction of 54% in moisture absorption are displayed
by these nanocomposites. 37 refs.
TAIWAN
Accession no.860842
Item 132
14, No.7, July 2002, p.2936-9
SYNTHESIS OF EXFOLIATED
POLYACRYLONITRILE/NA-MMT
NANOCOMPOSITES VIA EMULSION
POLYMERISATION
Choi Y S; Wang K; Xu M; Chung I J
Polyacrylonitrile/Na MMT nanocomposites are synthesised
through an emulsion polymerisation of acrylonitrile (AN)
using 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulphonic acid
(AMPS). The silicate (Na-MMT) layers are exfoliated during
polymerisation. The nanocomposites are exfoliated up to 20
wt.% content of pristine Na-MMT relative to the amount of
AN and exhibit the enhanced storage modulus, E, when
compared with pure PAN. Delaminated morphology of the
nanocomposite is confirmed by TEM. 44 refs.
KOREA
Accession no.860839
Item 133
40, No.14, 15th July 2002, p.1434-43
RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF DIBLOCK
COPOLYMER/LAYERED-SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Mitchell C A; Krishnamoorti R
Houston,University
The melt-state viscoelastic properties of nanocomposites
prepared with a symmetrical polystyrene-polyisoprene
block copolymer and organically modified layered silicates
are examined. Nanocomposites based on three
thermodynamically equivalent organically modified
layered silicates, primarily differing in lateral disk diameter
(d), are studied with small-amplitude oscillatory shear. The
effects of the domain structure of the ordered block
copolymer and the mesoscale dispersion of the layered

silicates on the rheological properties are examined via a
comparison of data for the nanocomposites in the ordered
and disordered states of the block copolymer. Hybrids
prepared with 5 wt.% organically modified fluorohectorite
and montmorillonite demonstrate a notable decrease in the
frequency dependence of the moduli at low frequencies
and a significant enhancement in the complex viscosity at
low frequencies in the disordered state. This behaviour is
understood in terms of the development of a percolated
layered-silicate network structure. However, the
viscoelastic properties in the disordered state with 5 wt.%
organically modified laponite and in the ordered state of
the block copolymer for all layered silicates demonstrate
only minor changes from those observed for the unfilled
polymer. 39 refs.
USA
Accession no.860493
Item 134
Macromolecules
35, No.14, 2nd July 2002, p.5529-35
DEFORMATION BEHAVIOR OF
POLYETHYLENE/SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITES AS STUDIED BY REALTIME WIDE-ANGLE X-RAY SCATTERING
Ki Hyun Wang; In Jae Chung; Min Cheol Jang; Jong
Kakh Keum; Hyun Hoon Song
Hannam,University
Maleated PE(PEMA)/silicate nanocomposite and
maleated PE/silica composite were prepared by melt
compounding. TEM and X-ray scattering results
confirmed the exfoliation of the silicate layers (20A)
throughout the maleated PE matrix, but the silica particles
were not well dispersed in the matrix. The long axes of
exfoliated silicates were aligned along the tensile axis
during deformation and showed no sign of cavity
formation in the matrix. In PEMA/silica, however, large
amounts of cavities were created along the tensile
direction. During the tensile deformation, the
crystallographic changes of pure PEMA and composites
containing 20A and silica were investigated using realtime X-ray scattering. The 20A and silica particles in
composites had little effect on the initiation of martensitic
transformation, but they effectively inhibited the
orientation of PE lamellae in the tensile direction. The
lamellar fragmentation was higher in PEMA/20A than in
PEMA/silica, while the former was less effective in
inhibiting lamellar orientation. 48 refs.
SOUTH KOREA
Accession no.860080
Item 135
Macromolecules
35, No.14, 2nd July 2002, p.5508-16
NANOCOMPOSITES DERIVED FROM
85
SULFONATED POLY(BUTYLENE
TEREPHTHALATE)
Chisholm B J; Moore R B; Barber G; Khouri F;
Hempstead A; Larsen M; Olson E; Kelley J; Balch G;
Caraher J
GE Corporate R & D; Southern Mississippi,University
The effect of sodium sulphonate functionalisation of
polybutylene terephthalate(PBT) on the properties of PBT/
montmorillonite composites was studied. The results
showed that organic modification of montmorillonite clay
coupled with the modification of PBT with low levels of SO3Na groups resulted in the production of highly
exfoliated nanocomposites by a simple extrusion process.
With regard to the effect of -SO3Na content, as little as 1.0
mol % -SO3Na groups was needed to achieve considerable
exfoliation of organically modified montmorillonite.
Although the degree of exfoliation was not observed to be
strongly dependent on -SO3Na content, mechanical
properties such as Youngs modulus and high-temp. storage
moduli at temps. above Tg increased with increasing SO3Na content. These enhancements in mechanical
properties produced by a higher -SO3Na content were due
to an increase in the number of interactions between the
clay particles and the matrix via electrostatic interactions
involving the -SO3Na groups. 33 refs.
Item 137
Polymer
43, No.16, 2002, p.4365-73
MORPHOLOGY, THERMAL RELAXATIONS
AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF
LAYERED SILICATE NANOCOMPOSITES
BASED UPON HIGH-FUNCTIONALITY EPOXY
RESINS
Becker O; Varley R; Simon G
Monash,University; CSIRO
Details are given of the possibilities of improving the
mechanical properties of epoxy resins through dispersion
of octadecyl ammonium ion-modified layered silicates
within the polymer matrix. All resins were cured with
diethyl toluene diamine. The morphology of the cured
material was examined using X-ray scattering as well as
optical and atomic force microscopy. The alpha- and betarelaxation temperatures of the cured systems were
determined using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis.
The effect of different concentrations of the alkyl
ammonium-modified layered silicate on the toughness and
stiffness of the different epoxy resins was analysed. 42
refs.
AUSTRALIA
Accession no.859410
USA
Accession no.860078
Item 136
40, No.7, 1st April 2002, p.670-7
NANOCOMPOSITES OF POLYURETHANE
WITH VARIOUS ORGANOCLAYS:
THERMOMECHANICAL PROPERTIES,
MORPHOLOGY, AND GAS PERMEABILITY
Jin-Hae Chang; Yeong Uk An
Kumoh,National University of Technology
The thermal stabilities, tensile properties, morphological
properties and gas barrier properties of different
polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites with three different
organoclays were compared. The three organoclays used
were: hexadecylamine-montmorillonite, dodecyltrimethyl
ammonium-montmorillonite and Cloisite 25A. The
properties of the nanocomposites in film form were studied
as functions of the organoclay content in the matrix PU.
Thermogravimetric analysis, wide-angle X-ray diffraction,
scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron
microscopy and tensile testing were used to study the
nanocomposites. Most of the clay layers were dispersed
homogeneously into the matrix polymer on the nanoscale,
although some particles were agglomerated. The thermal
stabilities and mechanical properties of the films were
improved by the addition of only a small amount of
organoclay, whereas gas permeability was reduced. 27 refs.
KOREA
Accession no.859706
86
Item 138
42, No.6, June 2002, p.1141-50
POLYMORPHIC BEHAVIOUR OF NYLON 6/
SAPONITE AND NYLON 6/
Wu T-M; Chen E-C; Liao C-S
I-Shou,University; Yuan Ze,University
Polyamide 6/clay nanocomposites were prepared by the
intercalation of epsilon-caprolactam followed by
exfoliation of the layered saponite or montmorillonite by
means of polymerisation. Changes in the crystal structure
and behaviour of the nanocomposites were investigated
by X-ray diffraction and DSC and the effect of heat
treatment on the crystal structure of the nanocomposites
between Tg and melting temperature examined. Evidence
was found for the presence of polymorphism in the
nanocomposites, which was dependent on the cooling rate
of the nanocomposites from the melt and the content of
clay in the nanocomposites. 28 refs.
TAIWAN
Accession no.859227
Item 139
Polymer
43, No.15, 2002, p.4251-60
COMPARISON OF SOLUTION
INTERCALATION AND MELT
INTERCALATION OF POLYMER-CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Zhiqi Shen; Simon G P; Yi-Bing Cheng

CSIRO; Monash,University
Nanocomposites of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and
organically-modified montmorillonite clays were
prepared by both solution intercalation and melt
intercalation, and compared by X-ray diffraction and
Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The
gallery size of the solution-intercalated composites
increased with increasing PEO content up to 15%,
whereas the gallery size of the melt-intercalated systems
was constant and independent of PEO concentration.
There was no difference in the FTIR spectra analysis of
the solution and melt intercalated samples. It was
concluded that the PEO conformation was a distorted
helical structure. 45 refs.
AUSTRALIA
Accession no.858719
Item 140
Polymer
43, No.15, 2002, p.4097-101
POLYBENZOXAZOLE-CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Steve Lien-Chung Hsu; Keng-Chuan Chang
Taiwan,National Cheng Kung University
A polybenzoxazole (PBO)-clay nanocomposite was
prepared by adding a dimethylacetamide (DMAc)dispersion of organically-modified montmorillonite clay
to a DMAc solution of PBO precursor, followed by
solvent evaporation and thermal curing. The
polyhydroxyamide precursor was synthesised by a low
temperature polycondensation reaction between
isophthaloyl chloride and 2,2-bis(3-amino-4hydroxyphenyl)hexafluoropropane. Clay dispersion was
confirmed by X-ray diffraction and transmission electron
microscopy. The composite thermal expansion decreased,
whilst both the glass transition temperature and the
thermal decomposition temperature increased, with
increasing clay additions. 15 refs.
TAIWAN
tallowalkyl-based quaternary ammonium cations. X-ray

diffraction and TEM analyses showed that these
nanocomposites had an intercalated/exfoliated structure.
PCL microcomposites filled with natural sodium
montmorillonite were prepared under the same conditions
and formed a conventional composite with micron-sized
particles dispersed in PCL. The tensile properties
(particularly stiffness) and thermal stability of the
exfoliated nanocomposites improved with the filler
loading up to a content of 5 wt%. Above this filler content,
these properties levelled off and/or decreased. A marked
charring effect was observed on exposure to flame. A
solid-like rheological response was observed for PCL
modified by 3 wt% and more of organo-modified
montmorillonite. 24 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.857644
Item 142
14, No.5, May 2002, p.1989-94
PREPARATION AND INTERACTION
CHARACTERISTICS OF ORGANICALLY
MODIFIED MONTMORILLONITE
NANOCOMPOSITE WITH MISCIBLE
POLYMER BLEND OF POLYETHYLENE OXIDE
AND POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE
Lim S K; Kim J W; Chin I; Kwon Y K; Choi H J
Inha,University
The intercalation of modified montmorillonite in a
polyethylene oxide/PMMA blend was demonstrated using
dichloromethane as a cosolvent. X-ray diffraction was
used to confirm the formation of nanoscale polymermontmorillonite hybrids and the localisation of the
polymers between the organosilicate layers. Specific
interaction between the components was quantified by
the Flory-Huggins interaction parameters by combining
the melting point depression and the binary interaction
model. 31 refs.
KOREA
Accession no.858701
Accession no.856786
Item 141
Polymer
43, No.14, 2002, p.4017-23
POLY(EPSILON-CAPROLACTONE)/CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES PREPARED BY MELT
INTERCALATION: MECHANICAL, THERMAL
AND RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
Lepoittevin B; Devalckenaere M; Pantoustier N;
Alexandre M; Kubies D; Calberg C; Jerome R; Dubois P
Mons Hainaut,University; Liege,University
Poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL)/clay nanocomposites
were prepared by melt blending the polymer with
montmorillonite organo-modified with hydrogenated
Item 143
62, Nos.7-8, 2002, p.1033-41
MORPHOLOGY DEVELOPMENT IN LAYERED
SILICATE THERMOSET NANOCOMPOSITES
Tolle T B; Anderson D P
US,Air Force,Wright-Patterson Base
The role of processing temperature on the morphology

development of organically modified montmorilloniteepoxy nanocomposites is examined to determine the
sensitivity of exfoliation to processing and the potential
to achieve desired morphologies through processing
routes. In situ small-angle X-ray scattering studies are
87
performed to relate the initiation and levels of exfoliated

morphologies with time and temperature. Scattering data
are correlated with key stages in morphology development
to provide insight into the process-morphology
relationship. Absolute temperature as well as heating rate
is shown to directly affect the development of exfoliated
nanocomposite morphology. 25 refs.
USA
Accession no.856489
Item 144
SAMPE Journal
38, No.3, May/June 2002, p.59-70
CARBON NANOTUBES AND NANOFIBERS IN
COMPOSITE MATERIALS
Maruyama B; Alam K
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base; Ohio,University
but a reduction in specific heat change was observed for

all samples exhibiting the 001 clay peak. The hardness
was increased by the clay addition, but was independent
of the concentration. 62 refs.
USA
Accession no.856046
Item 146
Polymer
43, No.13, 2002, p.3699-705
STRUCTURE-PROPERTY RELATIONSHIPS IN
CROSS-LINKED POLYESTER-CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Bharadwaj R K; Mehrabi A R; Hamilton C; Trujillo C;
Murga M; Fan R; Chavira A; Thompson A K
Avery Research Center; Southern California,University
USA
Nanocomposites were prepared by dispersing 1.0-10.0 wt%

organically modified montmorillonite in an unsaturated
polyester resin followed by crosslinking using methyl ethyl
ketone peroxide catalyst. Transmission electron microscopy
showed a random dispersion of intercalated and exfoliated
clay aggregates. With increasing clay content, the thermal
degradation was slightly increased, the loss and storage
moduli monotonically moved towards higher frequency
values, and the tensile modulus decreased. The observed
changes were attributed to a decrease in the degree of
polymer crosslinking. The nanocomposite containing 2.5
wt% clay exhibited greater property reductions than other
compositions. This was attributed to the greater degree of
exfoliation and hence greater decrease in the degree of
crosslinking. Oxygen permeability rates decreased with
increasing clay content, fitting a tortuosity-based model.
29 refs.
Accession no.856072
USA
Carbon nanotubes and nanofibres are discussed with

particular reference to the properties which make them
potential candidates for a range of applications, and their
ability to provide opportunities for the design of
multifunctional material systems. One-dimensional
nanocarbon (1D nanocarbon composites) are reviewed,
in which category are included single-wall carbon
nanotubes (SWNTs), multi-wall carbon nanotubes
(MWNTs) and carbon nanofibres. This paper provides
an overview of the current state of technology, and to
identify critical issues that must be addressed before
widespread application can be achieved. Following a brief
summary of 1D nanocarbons and their potential benefits
to composite materials, the R & D and industrial needs
are examined. 54 refs.
Item 145
Polymer
43, No.13, 2002, p.3759-66
EXFOLIATED AND INTERCALATED
POLYAMIDE-IMIDE NANOCOMPOSITES WITH
MONTMORILLONITE
Ranade A; DSouza N A; Gnade B
North Texas,University
Nanocomposites were formed by adding xylene
suspensions of organically modified montmorillonite clay
to xylene suspensions of polyamide-imide, and films were
formed by solvent evaporation. Optical microscopy
showed increased edge-edge clay platelet attraction at the
sample surface. Increased face-face coagulation and some
edge-edge flocculated states of tactoid formation were
observed through the thickness of the sample by
transmission electron microscopy. High exfoliation was
observed by X-ray diffraction for 1% clay additions,
whilst additions of 1.5-3% resulted in intercalated and
exfoliated dispersions. The glass transition temperature
was not significantly influenced by the clay additions,
88
Accession no.856039
Item 147
38, No.7, July 2002, p.1383-9
NON-ISOTHERMAL CRYSTALLIZATION
BEHAVIORS OF POLYAMIDE 6/CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Xiaohui Liu; Qiuju Wu
The non-isothermal crystallisation of polyamide 6 (PA6)/organophilic clay nanocomposites was studied using
differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction.
The clay particles acted as effective nucleation agents,
their presence influencing the nucleation mechanism and
the growth of the PA-6 crystallites. The degree of
crystallinity increased with increasing cooling rate,
attributed to the formation of gamma-crystalline PA-6
being favoured by the presence of the clay. 40 refs.
EUROPE
Accession no.856013
Item 148
Polymer
43, No.10, 2002, p.2969-74
EXFOLIATION OF ORGANOCLAY IN
THERMOTROPIC LIQUID CRYSTALLINE
POLYESTER NANOCOMPOSITES
Jin-Hae Chang; Bo-Soo Seo; Do-Hoon Hwang
A thermotropic liquid crystalline polyester (TLCP) with
an alkoxy side group was synthesised from 2ethoxyhydroquinone and 2-bromoterephthalic acid. Its
optical texture was nematic. Nanocomposites of TLCP
with an organoclay (Cloisite 25A, C25A) were
prepared. Adding 2-6% of C25A to the TLCP
maintained liquid crystallinity. C25A was exfoliated
and dispersed homogeneously in the matrix polymer.
The C25A/TLCP hybrids containing 0-6% C25A were
processed for fibre spinning to study their tensile
properties. The ultimate strength and initial modulus
of the hybrids increased with increasing clay content
and the mechanical properties reached maximum
values in hybrids containing 6% of the organoclay. The
thermal, morphological and thermomechanical
behaviours were studied. 27 refs.
SOUTH KOREA
Accession no.855448
Item 149
Polymer
43, No.10, 2002, p.2909-16
MELT COMPOUNDING OF SYNDIOTACTIC
POLYPROPYLENE NANOCOMPOSITES
CONTAINING ORGANOPHILIC LAYERED
SILICATES AND IN SITU FORMED CORE/
SHELL NANOPARTICLES
Kaempfer D; Thomann R; Muellhaupt R
Albert-Ludwigs,Universitat
Syndiotactic PP was melt compounded with an
organophilic layered silicate (organohectorite obtained
by cation exchange of fluorohectorite with
octadecylammonium cations) in a corotating twin-screw
extruder. Maleic anhydride-grafted isotactic PP (iPP-gMA) was used as a compatibiliser. The reinforcement
of the syndiotactic PP matrix was achieved by in-situ
formation of silicate nanoparticles via exfoliation
combined with simultaneous in-situ encapsulation of the
resulting nanosilicates in a thin shell of iPP-g-MA.
Interlayer distance increased with increasing content and
molecular weight of the compatibiliser. The Youngs
modulus of the nanocomposite increased fivefold from
490 to 2640 MPa and this was attributed to silicate
nanoreinforcement and nucleation of syndiotactic PP
crystallisation via the iPP-g-MA shell of the dispersed
organophilic silicate nanoparticles. The yield stress was
increased. The effects of the silicate and compatibiliser
content on the morphology and mechanical properties
were studied. 16 refs.

WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.855440
Item 150
Macromolecules
35, No.9, 23rd April 2002, p.3563-8
POLY(P-PHENYLENETEREPHTHALAMIDE)BASED NANOCOMPOSITES OBTAINED BY
MATRIX POLYCONDENSATION. SYNTHESIS
AND SOLID-STATE NMR
CHARACTERIZATION
Simonutti R; Mariani A; Sozzani P; Bracco S;
Piacentini M; Russo S
Milano-Bicocca,Universita degli Studi;
Sassari,University; Genoa,University
Matrix polymerisation is a suitable procedure for
preparation of homogeneous blends that are otherwise
difficult or practically impossible to prepare. Poly(pphenylene terephthalamide)(PPDT) was synthesised by
direct polycondensation in the presence of poly(Nvinylpyrrolidone)(PVP) or poly(4-vinylpyridine) as
polymer matrices. The molec.wt. effect of the latter
polymers on the intrinsic viscosity of the aromatic
polyamide was investigated. PPDT, characterised by
intrinsic viscosity as high as 14.2 dL/g, was obtained when
high molec.wt. PVP was used. The intimate composites
formed in situ were characterised by solid-state NMR.
The parent and daughter polymers in the composite
exhibited the same proton T1 relaxation times in the
rotating frame and this value differed from that of the
neat polymers, this result demonstrating the intimacy of
the blend at the level of a few nanometers. 30 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.853378
Item 151
Macromolecules
35, No.9, 23rd April 2002, p.3338-41
CONTROLLED ROOM TEMPERATURE
SYNTHESIS OF COFE2O4 NANOPARTICLES
THROUGH A BLOCK COPOLYMER
NANOREACTOR ROUTE
Ahmed S R; Kofinas P
Maryland,University
Well-dispersed cobalt ferrite nanoparticles within a
norbornene copolymer matrix were synthesised at room
temp. and characterised. A modification of the previouslyreported templating schemes using block copolymers
consisted of introducing a mixture of metal salts to a
polymer solution before any microphase separation of the
block copolymer constituents could occur, thus allowing
fast diffusion of metals to the functional polymer
backbone. The diblock copolymer matrix was synthesised
using ring-opening metathesis polymerisation of
norbornene derivatives. The self-assembly of the mixed-
89
metal oxide within the polymer template was achieved at

room temp. by introducing a mixture of ferric chloride
and cobalt chloride into one of the functional polymer
blocks and by subsequent processing of the copolymer
by wet chemical methods to substitute the chlorine atoms
with oxygen. Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles were thus
formed within the spherical microphase-separated
morphology of the diblock copolymer, which served as
the templating medium. TEM, FTIR and wide-angle Xray diffraction were used to characterise the
nanocomposite morphology, oxide chemical composition
and process of oxide formation. 13 refs.
Melting temp. changes and residuals were measured by TGA.

TS and elongation were also examined with a universal
testing machine. Increases in both the thermal stability and
the mechanical strength of BAP/OMMT were observed for
several different OMMT loadings. The rheological properties
of the BAP/OMMTs were also examined with a rotational
rheometer having a parallel-plate geometry. The shear
viscosity at low shear rate exhibited a Newtonian plateau
even at high loading and showed a higher degree of shear
thinning at higher shear rate. Both the Newtonian plateau
and the enhanced power law behaviour were correlated with
a scaling function. 46 refs.
USA
KOREA; USA
Accession no.853349
Accession no.853318
Item 152
Macromolecules
35, No.9, 23rd April 2002, p.3318-20
CONTROLLED RING-OPENING
POLYMERIZATION OF EPSILONCAPROLACTONE IN THE PRESENCE OF
LAYERED SILICATES AND FORMATION OF
NANOCOMPOSITES
Kubies D; Pantoustier N; Dubois P; Rulmont A; Jerome R
Liege,University; Mons Hainaut,University;
Belgium,Centre de Recherches en Sciences de
Materiaux Polymeres
Item 154
287, No.4, 26th April 2002, p.243-9
TRANSPORT PROPERTIES OF MODIFIED
MONTMORILLONITE-POLY(EPSILONCAPROLACTONE) NANOCOMPOSITES
Tortora M; Vittoria V; Galli G; Ritrovati S; Chiellini E
Salerno,University; Pisa,University
The controlled/living polymerisation of epsiloncaprolactone(CL) was studied in the presence of

montmorillonite modified by alkylammonium cations
which were capable of initiating or not initiating the epsilonCL polymerisation. Tin(II) octoate was first combined with
hydroxyl-containing alkylammonium cations and the polyepsilon-CL chains had to grow from the silicate surface as
tethered chains. This was not the case when dibutyltin(IV)
methoxide was the initiator in conjunction with inactive
alkylammonium cations. 12 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.853344
Item 153
14, No.4, April 2002, p.1839-44
SYNTHETIC BIODEGRADABLE ALIPHATIC
POLYESTER/MONTMORILLONITE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Lim S T; Hyun Y H; Choi H J; Jhon M S
Biodegradable aliphatic polyesters(BAPs), synthesised from
diols and dicarboxylic acids, and organophilic
montmorillonite(OMMT) were intercalated by a solventcasting method using chloroform as a co-solvent to produce
nanocomposite. The d spacings of both BAP and BAP/
OMMT were examined by X-ray diffraction analysis and
the microstructure of BAP/OMMT was examined by TEM.
90
Nanocomposites of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) and

modified montmorillonite, containing 0-44 wt% clay,
were prepared by intercalating the monomer in the
modified clay followed by ring-opening polymerisation.
Exfoliation of the clay layers was detected by X-ray
diffraction in nanocomposites containing up to 16 wt%
clay. The presence of the clay did not stop crystallisation,
but it did occur to a lesser degree. The permeation of water
and difluoromethane vapours was studied. Dual sorption
behaviour was observed, attributed to different sorption
mechanisms. The permeability decreased with increasing
clay content. 18 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.853274
Item 155
Edition
40, No.10, 15th May 2002, p.1498-503
SILICON-METHOXIDE-MODIFIED CLAYS AND
THEIR POLYSTYRENE NANOCOMPOSITES
Zhu J; Start P; Mauritz K A; Wilkie C A
Marquette,University; Southern Mississippi,University
Clays, organically modified by reaction with ammonium
salts containing a silicon methoxide linkage, were
dispersed with AIBN in styrene and heated to 60 C to
obtain polystyrene-clay nanocomposites. The
nanocomposites were characterised by X-ray diffraction,
and transmission electron and atomic force microscopies.
Thermal stability and flame retardance were determined
by thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimetry. It is
proposed that the linkage which occurred between the
silicon and the clay did not occur in the nanocomposite

as the distance between the reactive sites was increased
by the polystyrene. 18 refs.
USA
Accession no.853231
Item 156
Fire & Materials
25, No.5, Sept./Oct.2001, p.193-7
FLAME RETARDANT PROPERTIES OF EVANANOCOMPOSITES AND IMPROVEMENTS BY
COMBINATION OF NANOFILLERS WITH
ALUMINIUM TRIHYDRATE
Beyer G
Kabelwerk Eupen AG
Flame retardant nanocomposites are synthesised by meltblending EVA with modified layered silicates
(montmorillonites). Thermogravimetric analysis
performed under different atmospheres (nitrogen and air)
demonstrates a clear increase in the thermal stability of
the layered silicate-based nanocomposites. Use of cone
calorimetry to investigate the fire properties of the
materials indicates that the nanocomposites cause a large
decrease in heat release. Char formation is the main factor
important for improvement and its function is outlined.
Further improvements in flame retardancy by
combinations of nanofillers and traditional FR additives
on the basis of metal hydroxides are also studied. 15 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.852891
Item 158
Macromolecules
35, No.6, 12th March 2002, p.2042-9
INFLUENCE OF CRYSTALLIZATION ON
INTERCALATION, MORPHOLOGY, AND
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF
Maiti P; Pham Hoai Nam; Okamoto M; Hasegawa N;
Usuki A
Laboratories Inc.
Intercalated PP/clay nanocomposites were prepared by a
melt extrusion process using maleic anhydride-modified
PP (PP-MA) and organophilic clay (montmorillonite
intercalated with stearylammonium ion). The intercalation
of PP-MA chains in the space between silicate galleries
increased with the crystallisation temperature and
decreased with increasing clay content. Compared with
matrix PP-MA, the dispersed clay particles in the PPMA matrix acted as nucleating agents and lowered the
spherulite dimensions with increasing clay content. PP/
clay nanocomposites crystallised at high crystallisation
temperatures showed some segregation of the dispersed
clay particles around the boundary of the spherulites.
Extensive intercalation occurred during crystallisation,
especially at high crystallisation temperatures. The degree
of intercalation of the PP-MA chains in the silicate
galleries depended strongly on the time in the molten state.
By controlling the intercalation by crystallising at a
suitable temperature, the fine structure, morphology and
mechanical properties of the nanocomposites could be
controlled. 16 refs.
JAPAN
Item 157
Macromolecules
35, No.6, 12th March 2002, p.2375-9
X-RAY CHARACTERIZATIONS OF
POLYETHYLENE POLYHEDRAL OLIGOMERIC
SILSESQUIOXANE COPOLYMERS
Lei Zheng; Waddon A J; Farris R J; Coughlin E B
PE-co-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)
random copolymers were characterised using wide angle
X-ray scattering. Crystallites of both PE and pendant
POSS nanoparticles were found to coexist in the
copolymers, leading to a mutually dependant
microstructure in which neither component could be said
to be controlling. POSS crystallised as anisotropically
shaped crystallites. The presence of POSS disrupted the
crystallisation of PE, resulting in less and smaller/
disordered PE crystallites. POSS nanocrystals were
covalently connected to the PE crystallites and they
reinforced the PE crystallites. The PE crystallites
maintained their crystalline structure under high draw
ratio. 27 refs.
USA
Accession no.852210
Accession no.852173
Item 159
Edition
40, No.7, 1st April 2002, p.885-91
SYNTHESIS AND THERMAL PROPERTIES OF
HYBRID COPOLYMERS OF SYNDIOTACTIC
POLYSTYRENE AND POLYHEDRAL
OLIGOMERIC SILSESQUIOXANE
Lei Zheng; Kasi R M; Farris R J; Coughlin E B
Novel random copolymers of syndiotactic PS and
polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) were
synthesised by the copolymerisation of styrene and a
POSS-styryl macromonomer, using cyclopentadienyltitanium trichloride and methylaluminoxane.
NMR studies showed a moderately high syndiotacticity
of the PS backbone which was consistent with the catalyst
used and a POSS loading as high as 24 wt% and 3.2 mol%.
Thermogravimetric analysis of the copolymers under both
nitrogen and air showed improved thermal stability with
higher degradation temperatures and char yields, which
showed that the incorporation of the inorganic POSS
91
nanoparticles made the organic polymer matrix more

thermally robust. 23 refs.
the superior tensile properties and lower biodegradability.

16 refs.
USA
CHINA; KOREA
Accession no.852134
Accession no.851424
Item 160
40, No.8, 15th April 2002, p.736-46
POLYMORPHIC BEHAVIOR IN
SYNDIOTACTIC POLYSTYRENE/CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Tzong-Ming Wu; Sung-Fu Hsu; Jeng-Yue Wu
Taiwan,National Chung-Hsing University
Item 162
Polymer
43, No.8, 2002, p.2445-9
FT-IR SPECTROSCOPIC STUDY OF
HYDROGEN BONDING IN PA6/CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Qiuju Wu; Xiaohui Liu; Berglund L A
Syndiotactic PS(sPS)/clay nanocomposites were prepared

by intercalation of sPS into layered montmorillonite. Both
X-ray diffraction data and TEM micrographs of the
nanocomposites indicated that most of the swellable
silicate layers were exfoliated and randomly dispersed in
the sPS matrix. The X-ray diffraction data also showed
the presence of polymorphism in the sPS/clay
nanocomposites. This polymorphic behaviour was
strongly dependent on the thermal history of the
nanocomposites from the melt and on the content of clay
in the composites. Quenching from the melt induced
crystallisation into the alpha-crystalline form and the
addition of montmorillonite probably increased
heterophase nucleation of the alpha-crystalline form. The
effect of the melt crystallisation of sPS and sPS/clay
nanocomposites at different temps. on the crystalline
phases was also examined. 34 refs.
Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy was used to study

polyamide-6/clay nanocomposites which had been cooled
from the melt at different rates. Compared with the pure
polymer, the presence of the clay silicate layers enhanced
the formation of the gamma-crystalline phase, the effect
being greater at faster cooling rates. This phenomenon is
explained in terms of hydrogen bonding. It is proposed
that the gamma-phase is most likely to be concentrated
in regions close to the silicate layers, with alpha-phase
formation being favoured in the bulk polymer. 45 refs.
TAIWAN
Accession no.851529
Item 161
Polymer
43, No.8, 2002, p.2495-500
MICROSTRUCTURE, TENSILE PROPERTIES,
AND BIODEGRADABILITY OF ALIPHATIC
POLYESTER/CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES
Sang-Rock Lee; Hwan-Man Park; Hyuntaek Lim;
Taekyu Kang; Xiucuo Li; Won-Jei Cho; Chang-Sik Ha
Pusan,National University; Hebei,University of
Technology
Nanocomposites were prepared by melt intercalating a
biodegradable aliphatic polyester with organoclays to
enhance its tensile properties. Commercially available
materials were used, the organoclays being modified
montmorillonites, with different ammonium cations
located in the silicate gallery, whilst the polyester was a
copolymer prepared by polycondensation of aliphatic
glycols (ethylene glycol and 1,4-butanediol) and aliphatic
dicarboxylic acids (succinic and adipic acids). The
dispersion of the silicate layers was studied using X-ray
diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The
nanocomposites exhibiting the higher degree of
intercalation, attributed to strong hydrogen bonding, had
92

EUROPE
Accession no.851419
Item 163
Polymer
43, No.8, 2002, p.2185-9
PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES OF EPDMCLAY HYBRIDS
Usuki A; Tukigase A; Kato M
Ethylene-propylene-diene terpolymer (EPDM)-exfoliated
clay hybrids were prepared by melt blending EPDM with
organophilic montmorillonite. Following additions of
various accelerators, the EPDM was press moulded at
160 C to form sheets. Hybrids were successfully prepared
when using thiuram and dithiocarbamate compounds as
accelerators. The hybrid containing 4 wt% clay had a
tensile strength twice that of neat EPDM at 25 C. The
storage moduli of the hybrid were also higher, whilst the
gas permeability was decreased by 30%. 21 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.851389
Item 164
Polymer
43, No.8, 2002, p.2123-32
POLYETHYLENE-LAYERED SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITES PREPARED BY THE
POLYMERIZATION-FILLING TECHNIQUE:
SYNTHESIS AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Alexandre M; Dubois P; Sun T; Garces J M; Jerome R
Liege,University; Dow Chemical Co.

Montmorillonite and hectorite were treated with
trimethylaluminium-depleted methylaluminoxane, a Tibased constraint geometry catalyst attached to their
surfaces, and ethylene polymerised in-situ to form
nanocomposites. Ultra-high molecular weight
polyethylene (PE) was produced in the absence of a chain
transfer agent. The nanocomposites exhibited poor tensile
properties, which were independent of the nature and
content of the silicate. Hydrogen additions during
polymerisation decreased the PE molecular weight and
enhanced the tensile and shear moduli. Exfoliation of the
layered silicates was studied using X-ray diffraction and
transmission electron microscopy. 29 refs.
USA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.851382
Item 165
Macromolecules
35, No.8, 9th April 2002, p.3104-10
NANOCOMPOSITES. I. PREPARATION,
CHARACTERIZATION AND PROPERTIES
Ray S S; Maiti P; Okamoto M; Yamada K; Ueda K
New polylactide/layered silicate nanocomposites were
prepared by melt extrusion of polylactide and
montmorillonite. Morphologies were examined using
TEM. The effect of oligocaprolactone compatibiliser in
the nanocomposites was investigated using morphological
analysis and mechanical property measurements. 33 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.851164
Item 166
Synthetic Metals
128, No.1, 10th April 2002, p.115-20
POLYANILINE-DBSA/ORGANOPHILIC CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES: SYNTHESIS AND
CHARACTERIZATION
Jia W; Segal E; Kornemandel D; Lamhot Y; Narkis M;
Siegmann A
Technion-Israel Institute of Technology
The polymerisation of anilinium-dodecylbenzenesulphonic acid(DBSA) monomer in an aqueous
medium in the presence of an organically modified
montmorillonite(MMT) clay (a special grade for nylon)
resulted in the formation of nanocomposites. The
polymerisation and conductivity behaviour of the
nanocomposites were studied. The intercalation of
polyaniline-DBSA into the galleries of the organoclay was
confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis and significantly
large d-spacing expansions from 13.3 to 29.6A for the
nanocomposites prepared at different conditions were
observed. For comparison, a polyaniline-DBSA/untreated
MMT composite was also studied. X-ray results for the

latter showed that no intercalation had taken place. TGA
demonstrated enhancement of the thermal stability of the
nanocomposites relative to the bulk polymers. 22 refs.
ISRAEL
Accession no.850480
Item 167
23, No.3, 19th Feb.2002, p.191-5
SYNTHESIS AND RHEOLOGY OF
INTERCALATED POLYSTYRENE/NA+MONTMORILLONITE NANOCOMPOSITES
Kim T H; Jang L W; Lee D C; Choi H J; Jhon M S
PS/clay nanocomposites were synthesised by emulsion
polymerisation of styrene in the presence of sodium ionexchanged montmorillonite(Na+-MMT) and it was shown
that the strongly hydrophobic PS was intercalated into
the hydrophilic silicate layers. The nanocomposites were
examined by means of X-ray diffraction, TEM and TGA.
The rheological properties of the PS/Na+-MMT
nanocomposites were also studied and more marked shear
thinning behaviour was observed with increasing clay
content. 47 refs.
KOREA; USA
Accession no.848619
Item 168
75, No.3, 2002, p.555-60
THERMAL DEGRADATION BEHAVIOR OF
POLYANILINE IN POLYANILINE/NA+MONTMORILLONITE NANOCOMPOSITES
Dongkyu Lee; Kookheon Char
Seoul,National University
The thermal degradation behaviour of polyaniline(PANI)
in PANI/sodium montmorillonite(Na+-MMT)
nanocomposites prepared by in-situ intercalative
polymerisation of aniline into Na+-MMT was investigated
by TGA and X-ray diffraction(XRD). The residual weight
and its weight derivative of the nanocomposites suggested
that the PANI chains for PANI/Na+-MMT
nanocomposites were more thermally stable than those
for a simple PANI/Na+-MMT mixture. This improvement
in the thermal stability for the nanocomposites was
attributed to the presence of Na+-MMT nanolayers with
a high aspect ratio acting as barriers, thus shielding the
degradation of PANI in the nanogalleries and also
hindering the diffusion of degraded PANI from the
nanocomposites. The shielding effect of the nanolayers
was found to be significant as the Na+-MMT content in
the PANI/Na+-MMT nanocomposites was increased. The
XRD patterns of the nanocomposites after TGA
measurements indicated that the basal spacing of the
PANI/Na+-MMT nanocomposites was almost intact,
93
indicating that the thermal decomposition of the PANI

chains occurred mainly outside the silicate layers. 51 refs.
composition on the molecular barrier, optical clarity and

thermal stability were studied and discussed. 16 refs.
SOUTH KOREA
TAIWAN
Accession no.848541
Accession no.848144
Item 169
14, No.1, Jan.2002, p.189-93
FIRE RETARDANT HALOGEN-ANTIMONYCLAY SYNERGISM IN POLYPROPYLENE
Zanetti M; Camino G; Canavese D; Morgan A B;
Lamelas F J; Wilkie C A
Torino,Universita; US,National Inst.of Standards &
Technology; Marquette,University
Item 171
Polymer Preprints. Volume 42. No.2. Fall 2001.
Proceedings of a conference held Chicago, Il., 26th30th August 2001.
2001, p.99-100
MODIFIED BIOMEDICAL POLYURETHANE
BLOCK COPOLYMERS: NANOCOMPOSITES
AND POLYISOBUTYLENE COMB POLYMERS
Runt J; Weisherg D M; Xu R; Garrett J T; Manias E;
Renesi A; Gordon B; Snyder A J; Rosonberg G
Pennsylvania,State University; Polymer Chemistry
Innovations Inc.
The flammability of nanocomposites of PP-graft-maleic

anhydride with organically modified clays was studied
with and without the presence of both decabromodiphenyl
oxide and antimony trioxide fire retardants. The
combustion behaviour was evaluated using oxygen
consumption cone calorimetry. Synergy was observed
between the nanocomposite and the fire retardants, which
did not occur when antimony oxide and the brominated
fire retardant were added to the virgin polymer. 28 refs.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; ITALY; USA;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.848147
Item 170
14, No.1, Jan.2002, p.154-61
ANTICORROSIVELY ENHANCED PMMA-CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITE MATERIALS WITH
QUATERNARY ALKYLPHOSPHONIUM SALT
AS AN INTERCALATING AGENT
Jui-Ming Yeh; Shir-Joe Liou; Ching-Yi Lin; Chiao-Yu
Cheng; Ya-Wen Chang; Kueir-Rarn Lee
Chung-Yuan Christian University; Nanya,Institute of
Technology
PMMA-layered montmorillonite (MMT) clay
nanocomposite materials were prepared by dispersing the
MMT clay nanolayers in the PMMA matrix by in-situ
thermal polymerisation. The organophilic clay was
prepared by a cation exchange reaction between the
sodium cations of MMT clay and the alkylphosphonium
cations of the intercalating agent. Methyl methacrylate
monomers were first intercalated into the interlayer
regions of organophilic clay hosts, followed by free radical
polymerisation. Nanocomposite coatings with a low clay
loading (such as 1 wt%) on cold-rolled steel gave superior
corrosion resistance to coatings of bulk PMMA on the
basis of electrochemical measurements of corrosion
potential, polarisation resistance, corrosion current and
impedance spectroscopy in 5 wt% aqueous sodium
chloride electrolyte. A further increase in the clay loading
slightly enhanced the molecular barrier property of the
nanocomposite materials. The effects of the material
94
Polyurethane urea multiblock copolymers (PUU) are used

in a range of biomedical applications, including bloodcontact components in ventricular assist systems. One of
the drawbacks of these materials is their relatively high
permeability to air and moisture. Conventional biomedical
PUU elastomers are generally composed of ~80 wt.% soft
segment, most often polytetramethylene oxide. It is penetrant
diffusion through the continuous, low Tg polyether phase
that gives rise to the high permeability. One approach to
resolving this problem is to synthesise a polymer architecture
that has backbone chemistry nearly identical to a typical
biomedical PUU, and possesses polymeric combs of a
material with superior barrier properties. The PUU backbone
would render the comb polymer compatible with existing
PUU multiblock copolymers, while the combs, anticipated
to microphase separate, are expected to reduce the transport
of air and water vapour. Polyisobutylene is chosen for the
combs due to the combination of its good barrier properties
and its controllable (living cationic) polymerisation. A second
approach involves dispersing organically-modified layered
silicates (OMS) in typical biomedical PUUs. As a result of
their high aspect ratio, the introduction of modest amounts
of intercalated or exfoliated OMS inorganic layers in PUUs
can dramatically enhance barrier properties. The synthesis
and characterisation of a series of polymers with backbones
chemically identical to the multiblock PUU, but which also
possess polymeric combs of a material with superior barrier
properties, are described. The concurrent property
enhancements are well beyond what can be generally
achieved through chemical modification of PUU polymers.
5 refs.
USA
Accession no.847991
Item 172

2001, p.61-2
HIGH TEMPERATURE ORGANIC/INORGANIC
NANOCOMPOSITES FROM CUBIC
SILSESQUIOXANES
Laine R M; Choi J; Tamaki R; Kim S G
Michigan,University
It was recently suggested that it is possible to develop
detailed structure-property-processing relationships in
hybrid nanocomposites through use of octa-functionalised
silsesquioxanes. In this approach, synthetic routes to cube
macromonomers were developed that allow tailoring of
the nanoarchitecture of the organic phase between SiO
hard inorganic cores. In this way it has been possible, in
a preliminary fashion, to develop materials that exhibit
quite different mechanical properties based on small
changes in the chemical make-up of the organic phase.
Work to date has been with octaglycidyl epoxide
functionalised cubes that have chains that limit their high
temperature utility. Functionalised aromatic
silsesquioxanes have now been produced. The potential
of making nanocomposite materials with
octaaminophenyl cubes is explored. In these studies, the
ratio of epoxide groups to amine groups is varied such
that the amine is less than stoichiometric to two times
stoichiometric. 4 refs.
USA
Accession no.847971
Item 173
2001, p.48-9
POSS NANOSTRUCTURED CHEMICALS: TRUE
MULTIFUNCTIONAL POLYMER ADDITIVES
Schwab J J; Reinerth W A; Lichtenhan J D; An Y-Z;
Phillips S H; Lee A
Hybrid Plastics; US,Edwards Air Force Base;
Continuing demand for advancements in the performance
of polymeric materials has driven the search for new
additive technologies to upgrade the properties of existing
plastics. One of the primary goals has been to reinforce
polymeric chains and segments at the molecular level in
much the same way that traditional fillers reinforce
plastics on the macroscopic level. This would prevent
polymers and their corresponding composites from being
subject to thermal limitations imposed by coil-coil and
segment-segment interactions. Significant opportunity
exists for new additive technologies that are compatible
with existing polymer/filler systems yet provide unique
value that is not attained from conventional technological
approaches. Nanostructured Chemicals represent a merger
between chemical and filler technologies acting as true

multifunctional polymer additives. The chemical diversity
of POSS Nanostructured Chemicals is vast and parallels
that of traditional organic systems, yet incorporates it onto
a robust and precisely defined inorganic (silicon-oxygen)
nanostructure. POSS Molecular Silicas can be utilised in
the same manner as traditional polymer additives in both
melt and solution compounding. Molecular Silicas are
capable of alloying polymer chains at the molecular level
to improve the physical properties of virtually all plastics.
Loading levels for Molecular Silicas can be varied in
accordance to the degree and level of enhancement
desired. POSS Nanostructured Chemicals have the unique
ability to act as multifunctional polymer additives by
simultaneously acting as molecular level reinforcements,
processing aids and flame retardants. 3 refs.
USA
Accession no.847964
Item 174
14, No.2, Feb.2002, p.486-8
HYPERBRANCHED POLYMER LAYERED
Plummer C J G; Garamszegi L; Leterrier Y; Rodlert M;
Manson J A E
Lausanne,Ecole Polytechnique Federale
Hydroxy-terminated hyperbranched polyesters were
processed with sodium montmorillonite using water as a
dispersant. The polyesters were prepared by condensation
of 2,2-bishydroxymethyl propionic acid with a
tetrafunctional ethoxylated pentaerythritol core.
Exfoliated composites were obtained at up to 10 wt %
montmorillonite and used as precursors for glassy PU
nanocomposites. TEM micrographs were obtained of a
second pseudo-generation hyperbranched polymer/10 wt
% sodium montmorillonite nanocomposite. The stressstrain properties of the composites were investigated and
significantly enhanced stiffness enhancement was
demonstrated in the presence of exfoliated silicate layers.
20 refs.
SWITZERLAND; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.847645
Item 175
ACS Polymeric Materials Science and Engineering Fall
Meeting.Volume 85.
Chicago, IL, 26th-30th August 2001, p.562-3, 012
STUDY OF MOLECULES IN NANO-SCALE
CONFINED SPACE BY DSC: NANOCOMPOSITE
FORMATION BY ION-DIPOLE INTERACTION
Li Y; Ishida H
Case Western Reserve University
Differential scanning calorimetry was used to study the
intercalation process and the amine interlayer structure
95
following montmorillonite modification by

hexadecylamine. Intercalation was confirmed by wide
angle X-ray diffraction. The amine molecules intercalated
immediately after melting and recrystallised within the
clay layers. The confined amine formed an ordered
structure, and had much higher melting temperatures than
in the free state. The fine structure was strongly dependent
upon the amine:clay ratio, and was further influenced by
intercalation of polymer chains. 11 refs.
USA
Accession no.847130
Item 176
ACS Polymeric Materials Science and Engineering Fall
Meeting.Volume 85.
Chicago, IL, 26th-30th August 2001, p.556-7, 012
COMPUTER SIMULATION OF LI+/
POLY(ETHYLENE-OXIDE) IN NANOMETER
CONFINEMENTS
Kuppa V; Manias E
Computer simulations showed the structure of the Li+
poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) system to consist of a noncrystalline PEO bilayer with the Li+ located adjacent to
the surfaces. In bulk systems a change in the ion transport
mechanism was observed, from hopping motion between
PEO crowns at low temperatures, to a random, Brownianlike motion at higher temperatures. When constrained in
nano-sized channels (such as in montmorillonite
nanocomposites), a hopping mechanism was exhibited
at all temperatures, the Li+ moving between the low
energy sites on the inorganic surface. 7 refs.
USA
Accession no.847127
Item 177
Polymer
43,No.6,2002,p.1933-6
PHASE TRANSITION IN NYLON 6/CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES ON ANNEALING
Xiaohui Liu; Qiuju Wu
The gamma to alpha crystalline phase transition in nylon
6/clay nanocomposites prior to melting was investigated
by X-ray diffraction. The phase transition in the
nanocomposite took place at 160C, 40C higher than that
of nylon 6 at 120C. The transition extent in the
nanocomposite was lower than that in nylon 6. This could
be caused by the strongly confined spaces between layers,
and the favourable environment for the formation of the
gamma phase in the presence of clay. Also, the less grown
crystallites of the alpha phase transformed from the
gamma phase in the nanocomposite began to melt at a
much lower temperature than its normal melting
temperature. 19 refs.
96
EU; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;

SCANDINAVIA; SWEDEN; WESTERN EUROPE; WESTERN
EUROPE-GENERAL
Accession no.846167
Item 178
13, No.12, Dec.2001, p.4649-54
STUDIES ON THE MECHANISM BY WHICH
THE FORMATION OF NANOCOMPOSITES
ENHANCED THERMAL STABILITY
Jin Zhu; Uhl F M; Morgan A B; Wilkie C A
Marquette,University; US,National Inst.of Standards &
Technology
PS-clay and PS-graphite nanocomposites were prepared
and used to explore the process by which the presence of
clay or graphite in a nanocomposite enhanced the thermal
stability of polymers. The study was designed to determine
if the presence of paramagnetic iron in the matrix could
result in radical trapping and thus enhance thermal
stability. Nanocomposites were prepared by bulk
polymerisation, using both iron-containing and irondepleted clays and graphites, and they were characterised
by X-ray diffraction, TEM, TGA and cone calorimetry.
The presence of structural iron, rather than that present
as an impurity, significantly increased the onset temp. of
thermal degradation in polymer-clay nanocomposites.
Intercalated nanocomposites showed an iron effect, but
this was less important for exfoliated systems. Polymergraphite nanocomposites showed no difference between
iron-free and iron-containing nanocomposites,
presumably because the iron was not nanodispersed in
the graphite. 14 refs.
USA
Accession no.846048
Item 179
22, No.17, 11th Dec.2001, p.1438-40
UNUSUAL CRYSTALLIZATION BEHAVIOR IN
POLYAMIDE 6/MONTMORILLONITE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Qiuju Wu; Xiaohui Liu; Berglund L A
The crystallisation behaviour and structure of polyamide6 nanocomposites containing 3 wt % montmorillonite(MMT) were studied by DSC and X-ray
diffraction for different cooling conditions. In contrast to
pure polyamide-6 and other semicrystalline polymers,
increased cooling rates resulted in higher crystallinity of
the composite. The highest crystallinity (60.8%) was
observed for a liquid nitrogen-quenched polyamide-6/
MMT film. The gamma-crystalline form was predominant
in rapidly cooled composites. 14 refs.
EUROPE
Accession no.846013
Item 180
83, No.9, 28th Feb.2002, p.1978-85
CRYSTALLIZATION BEHAVIORS OF
POLYPROPYLENE/MONTMORILLONITE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Jisheng Ma; Shimin Zhang; Zongneng Qi; Ge Li;
Youliang Hu
Chinese Academy of Sciences
The isothermal crystallisation kinetics of PP/montmorillonite
composites synthesised via intercalation polymerisation were
studied using DSC and polarised optical microscopy. The
crystallinity of the nanocomposites decreased with increasing
montmorillonite content, indicating that the montmorillonite
layers dispersed in the PP matrices confined the PP chains,
thereby hindering their crystallisation. However, the
montmorillonite layers acted as heterogeneous nuclei in the
nucleation of crystallisation, causing a dramatic increase in
crystallisation state and decrease of the spherulite size with
increasing montmorillonite content. The nucleus density
increased with increasing motmorillonite content, leading
to a positive effect on the crystallisation. 16 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.845562
Item 181
Advanced Materials
14, No.2, 16th Jan. 2002, p.128-30
HIGH-PERFORMANCE POLYPROPYLENECLAY NANOCOMPOSITES BY IN-SITU
POLYMERISATION WITH METALLOCENE/
CLAY CATALYSTS
Sun T; Garces J M
Dow Chemical Co.
The development of a procedure for making highperformance PP nanocomposites by in-situ polymerisation
under mild polymerisation conditions is reported. These
composites exhibit reduced thermal expansion
coefficients, improved melt flow strengths, lower gas
diffusion coefficients and increased heat distortion
temperatures and are considered to have potential as
replacements for engineering plastics.
USA
Accession no.845220
Item 182
74, No.3, 2001, p.413-7
COMBUSTION BEHAVIOUR OF EVA/
FLUOROHECTORITE NANOCOMPOSITES
Zanetti M; Camino G; Mulhaupt R
Torino,Universita; Freiburger
Materialforschungszentrum
The flammability properties of composites based on
ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVAc) and
fluorohectorite exchanged with either octadecyl-
ammonium (ODA) or aminododecanoic acid (ADA) are

investigated. The product with ODA is a true
nanocomposite. The weight loss behaviour in combustion
is found to be similar to that in thermal decomposition. A
delayed heat release results from delayed evolution of
degradation products combined with the barrier effect of
dispersed nanolayers. The ADA composite showed no
exfoliation and appears to be a conventional filled
polymer. The weight loss in combustion of the ADA
composite is accelerated compared to thermal
degradation. Accumulation of silicate on the surface of
the burning specimen provides some barrier effects
although it is less effective than the ODA nanocomposite.
Dripping of burning particles in vertical combustion is
suppressed only in the case of the nanocomposite which
reduces the hazard of fire spread to surrounding
flammable materials. 13 refs.
Accession no.844096
Item 183
Macromolecules
34, No.25, 4th Dec.2001, p.8686-93
VISCOELASTIC AND MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES OF EPOXY/MULTIFUNCTIONAL
POLYHEDRAL OLIGOMERIC
SILSESQUIOXANE NANOCOMPOSITES AND
EPOXY/LADDERLIKE
POLYPHENYLSILSESQUIOXANE BLENDS
Gui Zhi Li; Lichang Wang; Toghiani H; Daulton T L;
Koyama K; Pittman C U
Mississippi,State University; Mississippi,Stennis Space
Center; Yamagata,University
Aliphatic epoxy/multifunctional polyhedral oligomeric
silsesquioxane (POSS) nanocomposites (epoxy/POSS
95/5 and 75/25) and epoxy blends with the prepolymer
of ladder-like polyphenylsilsesquioxane (PPSQ) (epoxy/
PPSQ 95/5, 90/10 and 85/15) were prepared by solution
casting and curing. The POSS units incorporated into
the epoxy network were well-dispersed in the composite,
even at high POSS content (25 wt%). The epoxy/PPSQ
blends showed good miscibility only at low PPSQ
content (up to 10 wt%). Incorporating POSS into the
epoxy network by curing at upper temperatures of 120
and 150C broadened the temperature range of the glass
transition of the composites but had almost no effect on
their glass transition temperature. The glass transition
temperature of epoxy/PPSQ blends containing up to 10
wt% PPSQ increased slightly with increasing PPSQ
content but that of blends containing 15 wt% PPSQ was
lower than that of the neat epoxy resin because the
crosslink density was reduced in the blend. PPSQ had
no effect on the width of the glass transition range of
the blends. The storage moduli of both the composites
and the blends above the glass transition temperature
were higher than those of neat epoxy resin and increased
97
with POSS or PPSQ content, improving their thermal

dimensional stability. POSS or PPSQ increased the
flexural modulus and hardness of the epoxy resins.
However, the flexural strengths of both epoxy/POSS
composites and epoxy/PPSQ blends were lower than that
of neat epoxy. 22 refs.
JAPAN; USA
Accession no.842675
Item 184
Polymer
43, No.3, 2002, p.1017-20
POLYMER/LAYERED CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES: 2. POLYURETHANE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Yao K J; Song M; Hourston D J; Luo D Z
Loughborough,University; Hyperlast Ltd.
polyimide/clay nanocomposite films showed higher

room temperature tensile moduli and lower strength
and elongation to break than the control films. 38 refs.
USA
Accession no.842631
Item 186
Plastics and Rubber Weekly
1st Feb.2002, p.2
KABELWERK EUPEN LAUNCHES
NANOCOMPOSITE APPLICATION
Beevers A
PU/Na montmorillonite nanocomposites were

synthesised from modified MDI, modified polyether
polyol and Na montmorillonite. The strength and strain
at break increased with increasing amounts of layered
clay. The storage modulus below the glass transition
temperature of the soft segments in the PU was
increased by more than 350%. The thermal conductivity
decreased slightly with increased layered clay loading.
8 refs.
Belgian cable and pipe producer Kabelwerk Eupen has

unveiled a commercial application for polymer-clay
nanocomposites. It is using the materials to produce
flame-retardant cables. The firm manufactures EVA-based
nanocomposites using its one-pot synthesis extrusion
technology. The addition of 5% nanoclay improves the
fire performance of EVA by promoting char formation
and delaying degradation. Importantly, it prevents
dripping of burning polymer. Kabelwerk Eupen has also
investigated the combination of nanocomposites with
other flame retardants. These include incorporating
alumina trihydrate into EVA to improve the resistance of
cables to fire.
KABELWERK EUPEN AG

WESTERN EUROPE

WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.842654
Accession no.842398
Item 185
Polymer
43, No.3, 2002, p.813-22
POLYIMIDE/ORGANOCLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Delozier D M; Orwoll R A; Cahoon J F; Johnston N J;
Smith J G; Connell J W
Williamsburg,College of William & Mary; NASA
Langley Research Center
Item 187
Progress in Colloid & Polymer Science
Vol.117, 2001, p.120-5
NANOCOMPOSITES PREPARED BY THE
DELAMINATION OF THE FILLER
Pozsgay A; Papp L; Frater T; Pukanszky B
Budapest,University of Technology & Economics;
Hungarian Academy of Sciences
Several approaches were used to prepare welldispersed, fully exfoliated polyimide/organoclay

nanocomposites, in which the modified
montmorillonite clay contained a long chain aliphatic
quaternary ammonium cation. The best results were
obtained using in-situ polymerisation whereby
poly(amic acid)s were synthesised in the presence of
the organoclay. Thermal conversion of the resulting
poly(amide acid)/organoclay films in either air or
nitrogen produced the corresponding polyimide films,
which were visually darker than control films without
clay. This was because decomposition of the organic
cation occurred, resulting in a degree of collapse of
the clay particles into larger agglomerates. The
degradation was less pronounced when the thermal
treatment was carried out under nitrogen. The
98
PP/montmorillonite (PP/MMT) nanocomposites are

prepared by the exfoliation of the nanoclay during
processing. The filler is used in various forms (sieved
bentonite, sodium and organophilic MMT) in order to
determine the effect of subsequent stages of organoclay
preparation on the structure and properties of the
composite. The filler content is varied over a relatively
wide range to determine the extent of maximum
reinforcement and the range of practically relevant
compositions. Specimens are injection moulded with
various weak sites (weld lines, gate section) in the test
area to see the performance of the nanocomposite under
practically relevant conditions. The results prove that
extensive exfoliation of the organophilic MMT occurs
during homogenisation and subsequent injection
moulding of the PP composites studied; however,
organophilisation of NaMMT is not complete, which
hinders the perfect exfoliation of the MMT layers.

Sieved bentonite and NaMMT behave like traditional
fillers, while the incorporation of the organoclay into
PP yields a true nanocomposite. Because of incomplete
exfoliation and poor adhesion, only a moderate
improvement of mechanical properties is achieved.
Reinforcement depends on composition; above a
certain filler content, the nanoclay behaves like a
particulate filler, possibly due to the stacking of
exfoliated layers. The weld line strength of PP
nanocomposites is very low; exfoliated clay particles
orientate parallel to the weld line and strongly
deteriorate the properties. 19 refs.
EASTERN EUROPE; HUNGARY
Accession no.842186
Item 188
39, No.22, 15th Nov.2001, p.2727-39
CRYSTALLISATION STUDIES OF ISOTACTIC
POLYPROPYLENE CONTAINING
NANOSTRUCTURED POLYHEDRAL
OLIGOMERIC SILSESQUIOXANE
MOLECULES UNDER QUIESCENT AND SHEAR
CONDITIONS
Fu B X; Yang L; Somani R H; Zong S X; Hsiao B S;
Phillips S; Banski R; Ruth P
Stony Brook,State University; US,Air Force Research
Laboratory
Crystallisation studies at quiescent and shear states in
isotactic PP (iPP) containing nanostructured polyhedral
oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) molecules are
performed with in situ small-angle X-ray scattering
(SAXS) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC).
DSC is used to characterise the quiescent crystallisation
behaviour. It is observed that the addition of POSS
molecules increases the crystallisation rate of iPP under
both isothermal and nonisothermal conditions, which
suggests that POSS crystals act as nucleating agents.
Furthermore, the crystallisation rate is significantly
reduced at a POSS concentration of 30 wt.% which
suggests a retarded growth mechanism due to the
molecular dispersion of POSS in the matrix. In situ SAXS
is used to study the behaviour of shear-induced
crystallisation at temperatures of 140, 145 and 150 deg.C
in samples with POSS concentrations of 10, 20 and 30
wt.%. It is postulated that although POSS crystals have a
limited role in shear-induced crystallisation, molecularly
dispersed POSS molecules behave as weak crosslinkers
in polymer melts and increase the relaxation time of iPP
chains after shear. Therefore, the overall orientation of
the polymer chains is improved and a faster crystallisation
rate is obtained with the addition of POSS. Moreover,
higher POSS concentrations result in faster crystallisation
rates during shear. The addition of POSS decreases the
average long-period value of crystallised iPP after shear,
which indicates that iPP nuclei are probably initiated in
large numbers near molecularly dispersed POSS

molecules. 34 refs.
USA
Accession no.842161
Item 189
82, No.13, 20th Dec.2001, p.3215-22
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL-BASED MAGNETIC
NANOCOMPOSITES. I. THERMAL AND
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES
Lopez D; Cendoya I; Torres F; Tejada J; Mijangos C
CSIC; Barcelona,University
CoFe2O4 magnetic nanoparticles are prepared by in situ
precipitation and oxidation of Co2+ and Fe2+ within a
sulphonated PS resin. The nanometric particles are
characterised by X-ray diffraction. A ferrofluid is
prepared from the CoFe2O4 mineralised polymer resin
and water. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based
nanocomposite materials are obtained by mixing
different amounts of ferrofluid (compositions ranging
within 0-51 wt.% of mineralised resin) with an aqueous
solution of the polymer. The PVA composite materials
are characterised by TGA, DSC and stress-strain testing.
The thermal and mechanical properties of PVA change
with filler content, exhibiting an initial increase in these
properties due to polymer-filler interactions. After a
maximum value, at about 15 wt.% of mineralised resin,
the mechanical properties decrease probably due to
particle aggregation which causes phase separation. The
results obtained show that the nanoparticles are dispersed
in the amorphous regions of the polymer, the crystalline
zones remaining unaltered up to compositions as high
as 30 wt.%. 36 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.842144
Item 190
Polymer Science Series A
43, No.11, Nov. 2001, p.1171-6
SYNTHESIS, STRUCTURE, AND PROPERTIES
OF METAL-POLYMER NANOCOMPOSITES
BASED ON SILVER AND POLYXYLYLENE
Ozerin S A; Zavyalov S A; Chvalun S N
Russian Academy of Sciences
Details are given of the preparation of nanocomposites
with a controllable high concentration of silver
nanoparticles organised in a polyxylylene matrix. The
structure of the nanocomposites was examined using
wide-angle X-ray diffraction. Nanocomposites possessing
hopping conductivity were found to display sensor
properties toward moisture. 30 refs.
RUSSIA
Accession no.842024
99
Item 191
Polymer Science Series A
43, No.11, Nov. 2001, p.1163-70
POLYCARBONATE AND ULTRAFINE
DIAMONDS
Korobko A P; Krasheninnikov S V; Levakova I V;
Ozerina L A; Chvalun S N
Moscow,Karpov Institute of Physical Chemistry
Polymeric nanocomposites were prepared by direct mixing
of ultrafine diamonds with a polycarbonate melt. The
structural and mechanical properties of the composites were
studied by small-angle X-ray scattering and tensile tests.
The mixing process was accompanied by changes in the
basic parameter of fractal structure of ultrafine diamond
powders and their intense deaggregation. 31 refs.
RUSSIA
Accession no.842023
Item 192
Polymer
42, No.10, 2001, p.4501-7
SYNTHESIS AND THERMAL BEHAVIOUR OF
LAYERED SILICATE-EVA NANOCOMPOSITES
Zanetti M; Camino G; Thomann; Muelhaupt R
Turin,University; Freiburger
Materialforschungszentrum
Extrusion moulding of both polymer-layered silicate
nanocomposites and microcomposites based on the
copolymer poly(ethylene-co-vinylacetate) with either 12
wt% (EVA 12) or 19 wt% (EVA 19) vinyl acetate content is
described. The silicates were a synthetic fluorohectorite,
rendered organophilic by means of cation exchange of
intergallery sodium cations for octadecylammonium or
ammoniumdodecanoic acid, and a montmorillonite, rendered
organophilic with octadecylammonium. The materials thus
obtained were characterised by wide angle XRD and TEM.
It was established that dispersion of the organic phase
depends on both the silicate type and silicate modification.
At these vinyl acetate contents dispersion was achieved
without additional compatibiliser. The thermal behaviour of
the composites was examined on a thermobalance in nitrogen
and in air. In the nanocomposites acceleration of EVA
deacylation and slower thermal degradation were observed,
while protection against thermo-oxidation and delayed
weight loss were evident in air. 18 refs.
Accession no.840997
Item 193
Polymer
42, No.10, 2001, p.4493-9
SYNTHESIS OF EPOXY-CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES. INFLUENCE OF THE
NATURE OF THE CURING AGENT ON
100
STRUCTURE
Kornmann X; Lindberg H; Berglund L A
Epoxy-clay nanocomposites were synthesised by swelling
an organophilic montmorillonite in a diglycidyl ether of
bisphenol A resin with subsequent polymerisation. Three
different curing agents were used: an aliphatic diamine and
two cycloaliphatic diamines. The cure kinetics of these
systems was evaluated by DSC and the structure of the
nanocomposites was characterised by XRD and TEM.
Successful nanocomposite synthesis was dependent not
only on the cure kinetics of the epoxy system but also on
the rate of diffusion of the curing agent into the galleries
because it affects the intragallery cure kinetics. The nature
of the curing agent greatly affects these two phenomena
and therefore the resulting structure of the nanocomposite.
The curing temperature controls the balance between the
extragallery reaction rate of the epoxy system and the
diffusion rate of the curing agent into the galleries. Thus,
the choice of curing agent and curing conditions controls
the extent of exfoliation of the clay in the material. 10 refs.
EUROPE
Accession no.840996
Item 194
Polymer
43, No.2, 2002, p.541-53
PREDICTING THE BINDING ENERGY FOR
NYLON 6,6/CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES BY
MOLECULAR MODELING
Tanaka G; Goettler L A
Solutia Inc.; Akron,University
The binding energies for nanocomposites consisting of
exfoliated clay layers treated with (usually quaternary)
ammonium salts dispersed in nylon-6,6 resin were studied
using molecular modelling techniques. A model was built,
comprising nylon-6,6, a quaternary ammonium ion (quat)
and a montmorillonite platelet, on a computer. The system
was equilibrated by molecular dynamics and energy
minimisation and the binding energies were calculated
between all the components i.e. between the nylon-6,6
and the clay platelet, the nylon-6,6 and the quat, and the
quat and the clay platelet. The binding energy between
the nylon-6,6 and the clay platelet decreased almost
linearly with the volume of adsorbed quat. Thus, the
pristine clay showed the highest binding strength to the
nylon-6,6. Clays which were partly substituted by long
quats were equivalent to those which were fully
substituted by short quats. 27 refs.
USA
Accession no.840814
Item 195
Macromolecules
34, No.23, 6th Nov.2001, p.8084-93
RHEOLOGY OF POLY(ETHYLENE OXIDE)/

ORGANOCLAY NANOCOMPOSITES
Hyun Y H; Lim S T; Choi H J; Jhon M S
POSS copolymer were maintained at low POSS loadings.

A modulus plateau at temps. above 175C was observed,
indicating suppression of melt flow for PE POSS
copolymers. 40 refs.
A series of PEO/organoclay nanocomposites was prepared

by a solvent casting method. Using three different
organoclays modified with alkylammonium salts, the
effect of surfactants on organoclay surfaces in polymer/
organoclay nanocomposites was investigated with
particular reference to internal structure analysis and
rheological measurement of the nanocomposites. The d
spacings of both the pure PEO and intercalated organoclay
were examined via X-ray diffraction analysis and the
microstructure of these nanocomposites was examined
by TEM. Rheological properties of these nanocomposites
exhibited different behaviour with different modifier
concentrations and surfactant sizes (chain lengths). In
order to analyse the non-Newtonian flow behaviour, shear
viscosity data were fitted via the Carreau model, showing
that steady shear viscosity and power law behaviour
increased with organoclay content. The hysteresis
phenomenon was also enhanced with organoclay content
and increases in the storage/loss moduli and interactions
among organoclay platelets were observed with increasing
organoclay content. The enhanced thermal stability of the
nanocomposites by organoclay was also observed. 57 refs.
USA
KOREA; USA
Accession no.840225
Item 196
Macromolecules
34, No.23, 6th Nov.2001, p.8034-9
NOVEL POLYOLEFIN NANOCOMPOSITES:
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATIONS OF
METALLOCENE-CATALYZED POLYOLEFIN
SILSESQUIOXANE COPOLYMERS
Lei Zheng; Farris R J; Coughlin E B
Ethylene copolymers incorporating a norbornylenesubstituted polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane(POSS)
macromonomer were prepared using a metallocene/
methylaluminoxane cocatalyst system. Isotactic PPcontaining POSS nanoparticles were also synthesised for
the first time using a similar approach utilising a C2
symmetric ansa-metallocene. A wide range of POSS
concentrations was obtained in these polyolefin POSS
copolymers under mild conditions, up to 56 wt % for PEPOSS copolymers and 73 wt % for PP-POSS copolymers.
Preliminary results indicated improved thermooxidative
stability for these nanocomposite polyolefins containing
the molecular silica side groups relative to their
homopolymer analogues. TGA of the PE-POSS
copolymers under air showed a 90 degree C improvement,
relative to a PE control sample of similar molec.wt., in
the onset of decomposition temp. based upon 5% mass
loss. DMTA showed that the tensile properties of the PE-
Accession no.840220
Item 197
41, No.11, Nov.2001, p.2036-46
PROCESSING AND PROPERTIES OF
POLYMERIC NANO-COMPOSITES
Hua Wang; Changchun Zeng; Elkovitch M; Lee L J;
Koelling K W
Polymeric nano-composites were prepared by melt
intercalation. Nano-clay (montmorillonite) was mixed
with either a polymer (nylon-6, PP or PS) or a polymer
blend by twin-screw extrusion. The clay-spacing in the
composites was measured by X-ray diffraction. The
morphology of the composites and its development during
the extrusion process were observed by SEM. Melt
viscosity and mechanical properties of the composites and
the blends were also measured. It was found that the clay
spacing in the composites was markedly influenced by
the type of polymer used. The addition of the nano-clay
could greatly increase the viscosity of the polymer when
there was a strong interaction between the polymer and
the nano-clay. It could also change the morphology and
morphology development of nylon 6/PP blends. The
mechanical test showed that the presence of 5 to 10 wt %
nano-clay significantly increased the elastic modulus of
the composites and blends, while significantly decreasing
the impact strength. The water absorption of nylon 6 was
decreased in the presence of nano-clay. The effect of nanoclay on polymers and polymer blends was compared with
that of kaolin clay under the same experimental
conditions. 22 refs.
USA
Accession no.840103
Item 198
41, No.11, Nov.2001, p.1963-9
EFFECT OF INTERLAYER STRUCTURE,
MATRIX VISCOSITY AND COMPOSITION OF A
FUNCTIONALIZED POLYMER ON THE PHASE
STRUCTURE OF POLYPROPYLENEMONTMORILLONITE NANOCOMPOSITES
Kyu-Nam Kim; Hyungsu Kim; Jae-Wook Lee
Dankook,University; Sogang,University
PP-clay composites were prepared by melt mixing in an
intensive mixer. Three grades of PP with different melt
viscosities were used to investigate mixing characteristics
and phase structure of the composites with various
organically modified montmorillonite(org-MMT) clays.
101
Depending on the matrix viscosity and nature of the

organic layer in MMT, significant variations in the phase
structure of the composites was found. In addition to the
simple combination of PP and clay, various functionalised
PPs were also incorporated in an attempt to enhance
thermodynamic interaction between the org-MMT and
PP matrix. Particular attention was paid to the effect of
varying thermodynamic affinity between the components
on the phase evolution and mechanical properties of the
composites. In the available range of maleic
anhydride(MA) content in PP, it was found that an
optimum content of the functional group existed, which
balanced favourable interaction with org-MMT and
adequate homogeneity with PP matrix. Together with
using the optimum MA content, it was also important to
use a low viscosity PP matrix to achieve a more random
array of layered silicates. The observed phase structure
was interpreted by using a model based on self-consistent
field theory. 12 refs.
KOREA
Accession no.840096
Item 199
39, No.21, 1st Nov.2001, p.2581-88
NANOCOMPOSITES OF POLY(ETHYLENE
TEREPHTHALATE-CO-ETHYLENE
NAPHTHALATE) WITH ORGANOCLAY
Jin-Hee Chang; Dae-Keun Park
Solution blending was used to prepare nanocomposites
of ethylene terephthalate/ethylene naphthalate copolymer
and hexadecylamine treated organoclay. Blends were
examined for tensile properties and thermal stability, and
it was found that the addition of 4 percent clay gave the
optimum improvement in both these properties. From
scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron
microscopy studies, agglomeration of clay particles was
observed at 6 percent loadings of clay, but below 4
percent, high dispersion of particles was noted. Optical
clarity of films cast from solution was also assessed and
found to decrease slightly with increasing filler level. 20
refs.
SOUTH KOREA
Accession no.839594
Item 200
41, No.12, Dec. 2001, p.2226-30
POLYIMIDE NANOCOMPOSITES:
COMPARISON OF THEIR PROPERTIES WITH
PRECURSOR POLYMER NANOCOMPOSITES
Chang J-H; Park K M
Poly(amic acid)/organoclay hybrids were produced by the
solution intercalation method using dodecylamine
102
montmorillonite, as filler, and polyimide hybrids obtained

therefrom by heat treatment at various temperatures. The
dispersibility of the organoclay in the polymer, heat
stability, mechanical properties, morphology and gas
permeability of the hybrids were examined and the
properties of the precursor hybrids compared with those
of hybrids produced from polyimide. 27 refs.
KOREA
Accession no.839388
Item 201
41, No.10, Oct.2001, p.1794-802
EPOXY + MONTMORILLONITE
NANOCOMPOSITE: EFFECT OF
COMPOSITION ON REACTION KINETICS
Butzloff P; DSouza N A; Golden T D; Garrett D
North Texas,University; Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
The effects of montmorillonite layered silicates on the
curing kinetics of an epoxy resin were studied. DSC was
used to probe the changes in reactivity due to the presence
of montmorillonite and due to the diamine curing agent.
The enthalpy of polymerisation was strongly affected at
compositions greater than 5 wt % montmorillonite for
epoxy/montmorillonite reactions. On introduction of the
curing agent, epoxy resin/amine kinetics dominated that
reaction for all compositions except for a montmorillonite
concentration of 2.5 wt %. X-ray diffraction was used to
examine whether the reacted system was exfoliated. The
results showed a strong montmorillonite composition
dependence on the exfoliated state. TEM of the cured
epoxy resins confirmed a mixed intercalated and
exfoliated dispersion at compositions having more than
2.5 wt % montmorillonite. 21 refs.
USA
Accession no.836362
Item 202
13, No.10, Oct.2001, p.3796-809
SOLID-STATE NMR INVESTIGATION OF
PARAMAGNETIC NYLON-6 CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES. II. MEASUREMENT OF
CLAY DISPERSION, CRYSTAL
STRATIFICATION, AND STABILITY OF
ORGANIC MODIFIERS
VanderHart D L; Asano A; Gilman J W
NMR measurements of nylon-6/clay nanocomposites
having nominally 5 mass % clay were performed, with
emphasis on measurements with application to processing.
A relative assay was proposed for the quality of the clay
dispersion for families of similarly formulated
nanocomposites when paramagnetic montmorillonite
clays were used. The spatial stratification of any
components that could be spectrally identified was also
USA
measurements, TGA and cone calorimetry. The onset

temp. of the degradation was increased by about 50C and
the peak heat release rate was reduced by 27 to 58%,
depending on the amount of clay that was present. The
mass loss rates were also significantly reduced in the
presence of the clay. 15 refs.
Accession no.836333
USA
investigated. The chemical stability of the organic

modifier (specifically dimethyl dehydrogenated-tallow
ammonium ion) through the processing stage where
polymer/clay melt-blending occurred was examined. 20
refs. (Pt.I, ibid, p.3781-95)
Item 203
13, No.10, Oct.2001, p.3781-95
SOLID-STATE NMR INVESTIGATION OF
PARAMAGNETIC NYLON-6 CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES. I. CRYSTALLINITY,
MORPHOLOGY, AND THE DIRECT
INFLUENCE OF FE3+ ON NUCLEAR SPINS
VanderHart D L; Asano A; Gilman J W
Several exfoliated nylon-6/clay nanocomposites were
investigated and compared with pure nylon-6 using solidstate NMR, both proton and carbon-13. The composites
nominally had 5 mass % clay and were generated both
by blending and by in-situ polymerisation. The
crystallinity and morphology of the nanocomposites were
studied and the stability of the nylon-6 crystal forms that
developed upon melt crystallisation was examined. The
influence of the paramagnetic Fe3+, embedded within the
clay layers, on nuclear spins that were confined in galleries
where the maximum distance from a clay surface was
only 0.4 nm. A proper understanding of the impact of
Fe3+ on both the line width and the relaxation behaviour
of the nearby nuclear spins provided the basis for
understanding the perturbation on relaxation of the more
distant spins in the nanocomposites. 47 refs.
USA
Accession no.836332
Accession no.836331
Item 205
13, No.10, Oct.2001, p.3516-23
NANOCOMPOSITES. REVIEW OF THE
SYNTHETIC ROUTES AND MATERIALS
PROPERTIES
Manias E; Touny A; Wu L; Strawhecker K; Lu B;
Chung T C
The literature on the synthesis and properties of PP/
montmorillonite nanocomposites is reviewed.
Nanocomposite formation is shown to be achieved in two
ways, either by using functionalised PPs and common
organo-montmorillonites or by using neat/unmodified PP
and a semi-fluorinated organic modification for the
silicates. All the hybrids can be formed by solventless
melt-intercalation or extrusion and the resulting polymer/
inorganic structures are characterised by the coexistence
of intercalated and exfoliated montmorillonite layers.
Addition of a small amount, typically less than 6 wt %,
of these nanoscale inorganic fillers is shown to promote
concurrently several of the PP material properties,
including improved tensile characteristics, higher heat
deflection temp., retained optical clarity, high barrier
properties, better scratch resistance and increased flame
retardancy. 32 refs.
USA
Item 204
13, No.10, Oct.2001, p.3774-80
FIRE PROPERTIES OF POLYSTYRENE-CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Jin Zhu; Morgan A B; Lamelas F J; Wilkie C A
Marquette,University; US,National Inst.of Standards &
Technology
PS-clay nanocomposites were prepared using a bulk
polymerisation technique. Three onium salt were used to
prepare the nanocomposites, two being functionalised
ammonium salts and the third a phosphonium salt. Using
TGA/FTIR, both ammonium and phosphonium
treatments were shown to degrade by a Hofmann
elimination mechanism at elevated temps. TGA/FTIR
showed that the phosphonium treatment was the most
thermally stable treatment when compared with the two
ammonium salts. The nanocomposites were characterised
by X-ray diffraction, TEM, strength and EB
Accession no.836316
Item 206
41, No.9, Sept.2001, p.1514-20
POLYIMIDE NANOCOMPOSITES WITH
DIFFERENT ORGANO-MONTMORILLONITES
Jin-Hae Chang; Kwang Min Park; Donghwan Cho; Hee
Sam Yang; Kyo Jin Ihn
Kumoh,National University of Technology; Kumoh
Plastic Co.Inc.; Kangwon,National University
Polyamic acid nanocomposites were synthesised from a
DMAc
solution
with
two
organophilic
montmorillonites(organo-MMTs). They were then heated
at various temps. under vacuum, yielding 15 to 20
micrometer thick films of polyimide/organo-MMT hybrid
with different clay contents (1-8 wt %).
Dodecylamine(C12-) and hexadecylamine(C16-) were
103
used as aliphatic alkylamines in organo-MMT. The

ultimate strength monotonically increased with increasing
clay content in the polymer matrix. Maximum
enhancement in the initial modulus was observed for the
blends containing 2 wt % clay with two types of organoclays and values did not alter significantly with further
increases in clay content. Additions of only 2 wt % C12and C16-MMT to the polyimide were shown to cause 94
to 95% reduction in oxygen gas permeability. This was
caused by the barrier properties of the clay layers
dispersed in the composite. In general, C16-MMT was
more effective than C12-MMT in increasing both the
tensile properties and the gas barrier in a polyimide matrix.
Intercalations of the polymer chains in clay were
examined by wide-angle X-ray diffraction, SEM and
TEM. 20 refs.
KOREA
Accession no.836151
Item 207
Polymer
42, No.25, 2001, p.10063-70
PREPARATION AND CRYSTALLIZATION
BEHAVIOR OF SYNDIOTACTIC
POLYSTYRENE-CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES
Chen-Rui Tseng; Jeng-Yue Wu; Hsin-Yi Lee; FengChih Chang
Taiwan,National Chung-Hsing University;
Taiwan,Synchrotron Radiation Research Centre
Solution blending was used to prepare syndiotactic
polystyrene (sPS) and clay nanocomposites with up to
10 percent clay addition in the presence of a cationic
surfactant. The surfactant (cetyl pyridium chloride) was
necessary to achieve miscibility between clay and
polymer. Dispersion was assessed using X-ray diffraction
and transmission electron microscopy. Some intercalation
of the polystyrene into the clay layers was observed, and
studies with differential scanning calorimetry and Fourier
transform infrared spectroscopy showed that formation
of the thermodynamically more stable beta form of crystal
in the sPS was facilitated in the presence of the clay. 24
refs.
TAIWAN
Accession no.835240
Item 208
Polymer
42, No.25, 2001, p.10013-9
PP/CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES PREPARED BY
GRAFTING-MELT INTERCALATION
XIaohui Liu; Quijiu Wu
Lulea,University of Technology; Beijing,Institute of
Chemistry
A new type of organophilic clay with a larger interlayer
spacing than normal alkyl aluminium modified clays, and
104
incorporating an unsaturated co-intercalation monomer,

epoxypropyl methacrylate, was melt mixed and grafted into
a polypropylene matrix at different loading levels up to 7
percent using a twin screw compounding extruder at
different temperatures. X-ray diffraction and transmission
electron microscopy confirmed that the dispersion effect
of the silicate layers was improved. Thermal characteristics
were analysed using differential scanning calorimetry and
mechanical analysis of the samples was carried out using
dynamic mechanical analysis and tensile testing. Stiffness,
tensile modulus and tensile strength of the material
increased with loading of clay. The glass transition
temperature was reduced with clay loadings of up to 3%,
but increased at loadings above this point. Both notched
impact strength and crystal structure were virtually
unchanged with clay loading, but crystallisation rate
increased due to nucleation by the silicate layers. 32 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.835234
Item 209
Polymer
42, No.25, 2001, p.10007-11
NANOCOMPOSITES. 1. A STUDY OF
POLY(ETHYLENE OXIDE)/SODIUMMONTMORILLONITE NANOCOMPOSITES AS
POLYELECTROLYTES AND POLYETHYLENEBLOCK-POLY(ETHYLENE GLYCOL)
COPOLYMER/SODIUM-MONTMORILLONITE
NANOCOMPOSITES AS FILLERS FOR
REINFORCEMENT OF POLYETHYLENE
Bing Liao; Mo Song; Haojun Liang; Yongxin Pang
Loughborough,University
Developments of new kinds of fillers for polymer
reinforcement and polyelectrolytes has been examined
by the preparation, by melt mixing, of nanocomposites
of sodium montmorillonite with polyethylene oxide or
polyethylene/polyethylene glycol block copolymers. The
tensile strength of polyethylene could be improved by a
significant amount when small amounts (up to 15 percent)
of these materials were added. In the preparation of the
nanocomposites, the intercalation of the polymer into the
filler increases with the thermal mixing time.
Characterisation of these materials utilised
thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning
calorimetry and ionic conductivity. 19 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.835233
Item 210
Polymer
42, No.25, 2001, p.9975-85
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE OF POLYMER
CRYSTALLINE MORPHOLOGY IN NYLON
6(MONTMORILLONITE NANOCOMPOSITES)
Lincoln D M; Vaia R A; Wang Z-G; Hsiao B S;
Krishnamoorti R
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base; New York,State
University; Houston,University
The effects of sample preparation, using melt mixed and
in-situ polymerised samples of polyamide-6 unfilled and
filled with a nanodispersion of montmorillonite, and
prepared by extrusion and compression moulding, on the
crystal structure of the polymer at temperatures up to
melting temperature were examined using X-ray
scattering and modulated differential scanning
calorimetry. It was shown that the presence of the
aluminosilicate layers of the clay altered the relationship
between alpha and gamma phase behaviour of the
material, with unfilled polyamide exhibiting alpha phase
behaviour, and gamma phase behaviour being stabilised
with filler addition. Relative fractions of alpha and gamma
phase, and the temperature dependence of total
crystallinity, is very dependent on filler content with the
gamma phase being preferentially in the region of the
silicate plates and alpha phase being present away from
the polymer-silicate interphase region. Crystal structure
and stability was shown to be very dependent on both
temperature and sample preparation methods. 33 refs.
USA
Accession no.835230
Item 211
Polymer
42, No.25, 2001, p.9929-40
NYLON 6 NANOCOMPOSITES: THE EFFECT
OF MATRIX MOLECULAR WEIGHT
Fornes T D; Yoon P J; Keskkula H; Paul D R
Texas,University at Austin
Preparation, using twin screw extruder compounding, and
characterisation of montmorillonite filled polyamide-6
nanocomposites with different filling levels and using
polymers of low, medium and high molecular weight is
reported. Characterisation of the blends using X-ray
diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, mechanical
properties and melt rheology indicated that increases in
viscosity, particle density, modulus, yield strength and
elongation at break occur with increasing molecular
weight of the polymer. Differences of behaviour of the
three different molecular weight composites were
explained by the differences noted in the shear stress of
the materials when capillary and parallel plate methods
were used. Proposals are given for the mechanisms of
exfoliation of the clay during melt mixing. 51 refs.
USA
Accession no.835226
Item 212
Polymer
43, No.1, 2002, p.45-53
POLYBENZOXAZINE/CLAY HYBRID
NANOCOMPOSITES: INFLUENCE OF
PREPARATION METHOD ON THE CURING
BEHAVIOUR AND PROPERTIES OF
POLYBENZOXAZINES
Tsutomu Takeichi; Rachib Zeidam; Tarek Agag
Toyohashi,University of Technology
Different types of polybenzoxazine/clay nanocomposites
were prepared from organically modified montmorillonite
(OMMT) and mono- or bifunctional benzoxazine, 3phenyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,3-benzoxazine (Pa) or bis(3phenyl-3,4-dihydro-2H-1,3-benzoxazinyl) isopropane
(Ba) respectively. The OMMT was obtained by cation
exchange of montmorillonite (OMMT) with ammonium
salts of amines, e.g. tyramine, phenylethylamine,
aminolauric acid, and dodecyl amine. The
polybenzoxazine/clay nanocomposites were obtained by
two different methods, i.e. a melt and a solvent method.
In the solvent method, OMMT was dispersed in an organic
solvent and blended with benzoxazine. X-ray diffraction
measurements of the nanocomposites indicated that the
method of blending and the type of solvent played a
crucial part in dispersion of the OMMT in the
polybenzoxazine matrix. Differential scanning
calorimetry indicated that inclusion of OMMT of any kind
resulted in significant lowering of the benzoxazine curing
exotherm. The nanocomposite showed higher glass
transition temperatures than the pure resins. Dynamic and
isothermal thermogravimetric analysis indicated that
inclusion of clay improved the thermal stability of the
composites. 27 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.835150
Item 213
Composite Interfaces
8, No.5, 2001, p.345-53
PRESSURE-VOLUME-TEMPERATURE
RELATIONS OF A POLY-E-CAPROLACTAM
AND ITS NANOCOMPOSITE
Simha R; Utracki L A; Garcia-Rejon A
Case Western Reserve University; Canada,National
Research Council
The equation of state of a poly-e-caprolactam melt, PA6, of-molar mass Mn = 22 kg/mol, is investigated in a
Gnomix apparatus between 300 and 560 K, and pressures
up to 150 MPa. Corresponding measurements are
performed with addition of 1.6 wt.% of montmorillonite
exfoliated particles. Reductions in specific volume of
about 1 and 1.4% respectively, at 10 and 150 MPa, are
observed. For the melt, excellent agreement between
experiment and the results from lattice-hole theory is
found for both systems. Addition of the nanoparticles
reduces the hole (free volume) fraction by 14%. Evidently,
the hole fraction is a sensitive indicator of structural
changes. It is noteworthy that such a small quantity of
added nanoparticles increases the tensile strength by about
105
14% and modulus by 26%, at a cost of reduction in the

elongation at break by about 25%. For a treatment of the
PNC, and as an approximation, an earlier model of a
particulate composite is adopted. To calculate the binary
interaction parameters it is assumed that: the clay particles
are in the form of flat discs, 100 nm diameter and 1 nm
thick; the hard core segments of polymer interactions and
of solid occupy the same lattice volume; and the energetic
interactions of polymer with solid are given by the
geometric average between the two self-interactions. 9
refs.
CANADA; USA
Accession no.835050
Item 214
74, No.1 2001, p.33-7
PHOTO-OXIDATION OF POLYMERICINORGANIC NANOCOMPOSITES: CHEMICAL,
THERMAL STABILITY AND FIRED
RETARDANCY INVESTIGATIONS
Tidjani A; Wilkie C A
Nanocomposites of polypropylene-graft-poly(maleic
anhydride) (PP-g-MA)/clay and polypropylene (PP)/clay,
with intercalated structures, were prepared by melt
blending, and exposed to UV irradiation. The
photooxidative stability was evaluated using Fourier
transform infrared and UV spectroscopy. The influence
of photooxidation on the thermal stability and fire
resistance of the nanocomposites was evaluated by
thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimetry. The
intercalated PP nanocomposites exhibited enhanced
thermal stability compared with pure PP and PP-g-MA.
The presence of the clay adversely affected the
photooxidation resistance of the polymers. 11 refs.
USA
Accession no.832484
Item 215
82, No.6, 7th Nov.2001, p.1444-8
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERISATION OF
ELASTOMERIC POLYURETHANE/CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Jisheng Ma; Shufan Zhang; Zongneng Qi
Beijing,Institute of Chemistry
Intercalative polymerisation technology was applied to
the synthesis of an elastomeric polyurethane/clay (PU/
clay) nanocomposite. The results of wide-angle X-ray
diffraction (WAXD) indicated that the clay gallery
distance in the hybrid was increased from 1.9 to at least
4.4 nm. Introduction of clay into the PU matrix increased
the tensile strength and elongation at break, and at a clay
content of about 8% increased them by factors of 2 and 5
respectively compared with pure PU. The clay
106
intercalative route to the nanocomposite synthesis affected

the thermal properties of the nanocomposite. The clay
used was sodium montmorillonite clay. 5 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.832046
Item 216
82, No.6, 7th Nov.2001, p.1391-403
CLAY NANOLAYER REINFORCEMENT OF CIS1,4-POLYISOPRENE AND EPOXIDISED
NATURAL RUBBER
Yen T Vu; Mark J E; Pham Ly H; Engelhardt M
Cincinnati,University; Hanoi,Institute of Chemistry;
Yokohama Tire Corp.
The conditions required for dispersing sodium
montmorillonite clay nanolayers into cis-1,4-polyisoprene
(synthetic) natural rubber (NR) and epoxidised natural
rubbers (ENR) containing 25 and 50 mole% epoxide were
established. The clay was used as a pristine layered silicate
or as organically modified silicate layers, to make the
galleries more hydrophobic and thus more compatible
with the elastomers. Ion exchange with alkyl ammonium
cations was used for chemical modification. The clays
were incorporated into the elastomers by mixing the
components in a standard internal blender or by mixing
their dispersions in toluene or methyl ethyl ketone. The
X-ray diffraction patterns indicated intercalation of the
NR and ENR into the silicate interlayers, with subsequent
exfoliation of the silicate layers into the elastomer
matrices. The observed mechanical reinforcement of the
elastomers by the intercalated and exfoliated clays was
strongly dependent on the extent of dispersion of the
silicate layers into the rubber matrices, and was of primary
interest. 61 refs.
USA; VIETNAM
Accession no.832041
Item 217
Polymer
42, No.21, 2001, p.9015-23
TIME-RESOLVED SHEAR BEHAVIOR OF ENDTETHERED NYLON 6-CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES FOLLOWED BY NONISOTHERMAL CRYSTALLIZATION
Medellin-Rodriguez F J; Burger C; Hsaio B S; Chu B;
Vaia R; Phillips S
New York,State University; Wright-Patterson Air Force
Base; US,Air Force Research Laboratory
The orientation behaviour of nylon-6-montmorillonite
nanocomposites was studied by in-situ synchrotron Xray techniques. The system could be oriented under
relatively low shear fields and temperatures immediately
above the experimental melting temperature. Gradual
alignment of the through-view small angle X-ray
scattering patterns indicated the rotation of the end-
tethered clay along the shear direction. High temperature

relaxation of the clay after shear was substantially longer
than the polymer. Thus, non-isothermal crystallisation
could be used to preserve the orientation of the clay
induced by shear. Most of the clay planar alignment in
the composites showed the gamma crystal form which is
associated with extended chain crystallisation. Nylon 6,
however, crystallised into the alpha form which is
associated with quiescent crystals involving folded chains.
The shear result were compared with quiescent
crystallisation where the nanocomposites showed the
gamma habit and the nylon-6 homopolymer showed
mixed alpha/gamma habits. 23 refs.
USA
Accession no.831912
compounding is described. Characterisation was carried

out using elemental analysis, gel permeation
chromatography, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy,
thermogravimetric analysis, transmission electron
microscopy and X-ray diffraction. The hydrophilicity of
the maleic anhydride grafted polymer and chain length
of the organic modifier in the clay were found to control
the intercalation and exfoliation behaviour of the blend,
with more than 16 methylene groups in the alkylamine
clay modifier required to give exfoliated nanocomposites.
With a different clay modifier exfoliated nanocomposites
were achieved with maleic anhydride grafting levels of
more than 0.1 percent. When pure polyethylene was used,
the thermodynamic equilibrium state of the clay surface
controlled the intercalation capability of the blend. 41 refs.
SOUTH KOREA
Item 218
Polymer
42, No.24, 2001, p.9837-42
PREPARATION OF CLAY-DISPERSED
POLY(STYRENE-CO-ACRYLONITRILE)
NANOCOMPOSITES USING POLY(ECAPROLACTONE) AS A COMPATIBILIZER
Seong Woo Kim; Won Ho Jo; Moo Sung Lee; Moon
Bae Ko; Jae Young Jho
Seoul,National University; Chonnam,National
University
Accession no.831807
A two-stage melt mixing process was used to prepare a

nanocomposite of clay in a copolymer of styrene and
acrylonitrile (SAN) with polycaprolactone (PCL) as
compatibiliser. The first stage involved melt mixing of the
clay with the compatibiliser, followed by melt mixing this
into the SAN. The effect of mixing conditions was evaluated
by examination of nanocomposites prepared under different
shear rates by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron
microscopy and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis for
both the PCL mix and the finished SAN material. Lower
temperatures and extended mixing times were shown to give
the best intercalation and exfoliation of the clay. Some phase
separation was observed between the SAN and PCL by a
return of peaks associated with the intercalated structure of
the organosilicate in the final product. 12 refs.
A solution-dispersion method was used to prepare

polysulphone/organoclay nanocomposites which were
then characterised using X-ray diffraction, transmission
electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and
tensile measurements. Three levels of clay addition were
used, 1,3 and 5 weight percent, and compared to the pure
polymer, improvements in tensile and thermal properties
were reported. 206 refs
KOREA
Accession no.831809
Item 219
Polymer
42, No.24, 2001, p.9819-26
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF
MALEATED POLYETHYLENE/CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITE
Ki Hyun Wang; Min Ho Choi; Chong Min Koo; Keong
Suk Choi; In Jae Chung
Korea,Advanced Institute of Science and Technology
Preparation and characterisation of maleic anhydride
grafted polyethylene and clay nanocomposites by melt
Item 220
Polymer
42, No.24, 2001, p.9783-9
SYNTHESIS, STRUCTURE, MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES, AND THERMAL STABILITY OF
SOME POLYSULFONE/ORGANOCLAY
COMPOSITES
Sur G S; Sun H L; Lyu S G; Mark J E
Yeungnam,University; Cincinnati,University
KOREA; USA
Accession no.831803
Item 221
Polymer
42, No.24, 2001, p.9763-9
THE NOVEL POLYMER ELECTROLYTE
NANOCOMPOSITE COMPOSED OF
POLY(ETHYLENE OXIDE), LITHIUM
TRIFLATE AND MINERAL CLAY
National Chiao Tung University
Edited by: Hsien-Wei Chen; Feng-Chitz Chang
The ionic conductivity of a polyethylene oxide (PEO)
lithium triflate based electrolyte is increased by a factor
of up to sixteen by addition of an optimum quantity of
montmorillonite clay. Investigation of the causes of this,
using X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry,
Fourier transform infrared analysis and alternating current
impedance, indicate that addition of the clay increases
the crystallinity of the PEO due to electrical interactions
between the clay and the lithium cation. Three types of
107
complexes have been identified, on each in the clay and

PEO and one at the interphase between the two. The
fraction of free ions is also increased in this system by
improvement to the solubility of the lithium salts caused
by the action of the clay. 32 refs.
TAIWAN
Accession no.831801
Item 222
39, No.17, 1st Sept.2001, p.2097-107
CRYSTALLIZATION KINETICS AND
CRYSTALLIZATION BEHAVIOR OF
SYNDIOTACTIC POLYSTYRENE/CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Chen-Riu Tseng; Hsin-Yi Lee; Feng-Chih Chang
Taiwan,Synchrotron Radiation Research Centre
Syndiotactic polystyrene (sPS) was mixed with clay or clay
treated with cetyl pyridinium chloride in a corotating twin
screw compounding extruder. The resulting compounds
were characterised using infrared spectroscopy, differential
scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and transmission
electron microscopy. Dispersion of the treated clay was
found to be better than the untreated clay. Crystallisation
kinetics of the blends were examined and it was found that
the crystallisation rate constant increased with increasing
clay content. It was also determined that the clay had the
effect of reducing the size and increasing the number of
the beta-crystal lamellae in the sPS compared to the pure
polymer. 28 refs.
TAIWAN
Accession no.830205
Item 223
39, No.17, 1st Sept.2001, p.1968-75
DYNAMIC MECHANICAL AND DIELECTRICAL
PROPERTIES OF POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL) AND
POLY(VINYL ALCOHOL)-BASED
NANOCOMPOSITES
Gendoya I; Lopez D; Alegria A; Mijangos C
CSIC; Pais Vasco,Universidad
Dielectric spectroscopy and dynamic mechanical analysis
were used to study the effect on the relaxations of polyvinyl
alcohol (PVAlc) films which have up to 28.7 percent of
nanosized magnetic filler treated with sulphonated
polystyrene added to them. Addition of the filler at levels
up to 10 percent increased the glass transition temperature
(Tg), but at levels higher than 10 percent filler the Tg
dropped due to plasticisation effects of water retained in
the filler. Beta and gamma relaxation processes of PVAlc
were unaffected by addition of fillers. 36 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.830193
108
Item 224
82, No.3, 17th Oct.2001, p.555-61
INTERCALATIVE REDOX POLYMERIZATION
AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLY(4VINYLPYRIDINE)-VERMICULITE
NANOCOMPOSITE
Dhamodharan R; Samuel J D J S; Rajeswari M K
Vinyl pyridine was polymerised in the gallery spacing of
vermiculite to form an intercalate polymer in the
nanocomposite. The nanocomposite was suitable for use
in waste removal and recovery and its efficacy was shown
by the removal of colour from dye wastewater.
Polymerisation was achieved using redox polymerisation
in the presence of copper ions that had been ion exchanged
with the original magnesium ions in the vermiculite.
Characterisation of the nanocomposite using infrared,
ultraviolet and electron spin resonance spectroscopy,
thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray diffraction and
differential scanning calorimetry indicated that the
polymer was confined in the gallery of the vermiculite
and was between 18 and 19 percent of the total mass of
the composite. Thermal stability of polymer was improved
and both a lack of glass transition and an increase in
gallery spacing observed with X-ray diffraction proved
the virtually total intercalative nature of the
nanocomposite. 9 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.830171
Item 225
Colloid & Polymer Science
279, No.8, Aug.2001, p.819-22
SYNTHESIS OF POLYURETHANE/CLAY
INTERCALATED NANOCOMPOSITES
Hu Y; Song L; Xu J; Yang L; Chen Z; Fan W
China,University of Science & Technology
A PU/organophilic layered montmorillonite (OMT)
nanocomposite was synthesised via a two-stage process.
Firstly, a polyether (poly(propylene oxide))/OMT hybrid
was prepared. the polyether was dispersed and intercalated
into the gallery of the layered silicate. Then the polyether/
OMT reacted with TDI and diglycol to obtain PU/OMT
intercalated nanocomposites as confirmed by X-ray
diffraction and high-resolution electron microscopy. The
content of the hard segment of PU and OMT affected the
basal spacing of the nanocomposite. 14 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.830166
Item 226
Polymer Bulletin
46, No.6, July 2001, p.499-505
EFFECT OF ASPECT RATIO OF CLAY ON
MELT EXTENSIONAL PROCESS OF
MALEATED POLYETHYLENE/CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Ki Hyun Wang; Mingzhe Xu; Yeong Suk Choi; In Jae
Chung
A maleated PE (PEMA) nanocomposite with a high aspect
ratio clay (PEMA/montmorillonite), one with a low aspect
ratio clay (PEMA/laponite) and a macrocomposite with
silica (PEMA/silica) were prepared by melt compounding.
The PEMA/montmorillonite nanocomposite showed
higher storage moduli, complex viscosity and melt tension
than the other two composites studied. It also showed
longer drawability and lower neck-in during melt
processing, and showed an easy orientation in the polymer
in the melt drawing direction. 33 refs.
SOUTH KOREA
Accession no.830154
Item 227
Polymer
42, No.23, 2001, p.9633-40
HIERARCHICAL STRUCTURE AND
PROPERTIES OF INTERCALATED
Nam P H; Maiti P; Okamoto M; Kotaka T; Hasegawa
N; Usuki A
Laboratories Inc.
Using maleic anhydride modified polypropylene (PPMA) and organophilic clay the intercalated
nanocomposites of polypropylene/clay (PPCNs) were
prepared via melt extrusion. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction,
small-angle X-ray scattering, transmission electron
microscopy, polarising optical microscopy and light
scattering were used to study the hierarchical structure of
the PPCNs from the structure of confined PP-MA chains,
in the space of a few nanometer width between silicate
galleries to crystalline lamellae of 7-15 nm thick and
spherulitic texture of 10 micrometers. The PPCNs formed
rod-like crystalline texture in the 10 micrometer length
scale, after crystallisation had taken place at 80 degrees
C. This crystalline texture consisted of the inter-fibrillar
structure including gamma-phase crystallite caused by the
reduction of the PP-MA chains mobility due to the
intercalation of the polypropylene chains in the space
between silicate galleries and the narrow space surrounded
by the dispersed clay particles. Compared with
polypropylene matrix without clay the intercalated PPCNs
showed and enhanced moduli. 27 refs.
ON THE EXTENT OF EXFOLIATION IN

ORGANOCLAY-BASED NANOCOMPOSITES
Dennis H R; Hunter D L; Chang D; Kim S; White J L;
Cho J W; Paul D R
Southern Clay Products Inc.; Akron,University;
Texas,University
A study was carried out on the effects of the chemistry of
the clay surface and of the mixing method on the
properties of clay/polyamide-6 nanocomposites. Using 4
different types of extruders with multiple screw designs,
montmorillonite treated with two different tallow
ammonium modifiers were melt blended with polyamide6. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and
mechanical property tests were used to characterise the
mixtures of organoclay and polyamide-6. The degree of
dispersion is interpreted in terms of the residence time
distribution in the extruder and the intensity of shear. A
model for organoclay delamination in a polymer melt is
proposed that incorporates the role of both shear and time.
31 refs.
USA
Accession no.830130
Item 229
Antec 2001.Conference proceedings.
Dallas, Texas, 6th-10th May, 2001, paper 650
CRYSTALLIZATION KINETICS OF
POLY(ETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE) BASED
IONOMER NANOCOMPOSITE MATERIALS
Carter C M
(SPE)
Suspensions of organically-modified and sodium
montmorillonites in hexafluoropropanol were added to
hexafluoropropanol solutions of poly(ethylene
terephthalate) (PETP) and of sulphonated PETP (2-10
mol% sulphoisophthalic acid), and nanocomposite films
prepared by casting. Crystallisation temperatures and rates
were determined by differential scanning calorimetry. The
introduction of the clays into PETP and into sulphonated
PETP containing 2 and 6 mol% sulphoisophthalic acid
resulted in an increase in the crystallisation temperature
and a decrease in the crystallisation half-times. The
organically modified clay was the most effective
nucleating agent, the Na-montmorillonite giving the
highest crystallisation temperatures and the slower
crystallisation half-times. 6 refs.
USA
Accession no.830082
JAPAN
Accession no.830142
Item 228
Polymer
42, No.23, 2001, p.9513-22
EFFECT OF MELT PROCESSING CONDITIONS
Item 230
Rubber and Plastics News
31, No.3, 3rd Sept.2001, p.22
GM TO USE TPO NANOCOMPOSITE AUTO
PARTS
Begin S
109
General Motors will commercialise the first thermoplastic

olefin-based nanocomposite part on its upcoming
minivans. Optional step assists on the 2002 GMC Safari
and Chevrolet Astro vans will be moulded from the new
material. Filled with tiny flakes of the clay mineral
smectite, the nanocomposite weighs up to 20% less than
traditional talc-filled TPOs, is more ductile at lowtemperature impacts, more recyclable, can be moulded
on existing tooling and eventually could include UV stable
colour pigments, yielding a Class A surface while
eliminating the paint process. GM is developing other
new applications for the trade secret material including
exterior body panels, cladding, tool boxes and interior
components.
GENERAL MOTORS CORP.
(SPE)
Polyamides based on polyamide-6 (PA-6) and blends of
PA-6 with amorphous polyamides for high oxygen barrier
food packaging applications are described. The oxygen
barrier properties are also enhanced by the addition of a
proprietary oxygen scavenging moiety and/or nanoclays.
The nanoclay is introduced during polymerisation rather
than melt compounding, so giving better barrier properties
and lower haze levels. The polyamides are suitable for
cast and blown film, and as barrier layers in coextrusion
blow moulded bottles and co-injection stretch blow
moulded poly(ethylene terephthalate) bottles.
USA
Accession no.827185
USA
Accession no.829829
Item 231
Rubber Chemistry and Technology
74, No.2, May/June 2001, p.221-35
RUBBER NANOCOMPOSITES: MORPHOLOGY
AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF BR AND
SBR VULCANIZATES REINFORCED BY
ORGANOPHILIC LAYERED SILICATES
Ganter M; Gronski W; Reichert P; Muelhaupt R
Freiburg Materialsforschungszentrum
Rubber compounds based on polybutadiene or SBR
containing organophilic layered silicates were prepared.
Organophilic silicates were swollen in a rubber/toluene
solution. Matrix-filler reactive bonding was performed
by adding bis(triethoxysilylpropyl)tetrasulphane(TESPT)
during swelling. Good dispersion of organoclay
nanofillers in rubber matrices was demonstrated by TEM
and atomic force microscopy exhibiting intercalated and
partially exfoliated silicate layers. Matrix-filler interfacial
coupling by TESPT led to reduced strain at break and
reduced hysteresis for both organoclay and silica-based
vulcanisates as expected for successful matrix/filler
coupling. Organoclay vulcanisates exhibited enhanced
hysteresis when compared with silica compounds. This
was related to orientation and sliding of anisotropic
silicate layers, as determined by on-line wide-angle Xray scattering measurements during cyclic tensile testing.
16 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.827613
Item 232
NEW HIGH BARRIER, OXYGEN SCAVENGING
POLYAMIDES FOR PACKAGING
APPLICATIONS
Socci E P; Akkapeddi M K; Worley D C
Honeywell International Inc.
110
Item 233
EFFECT OF NANOPARTICLES AND
PROCESSING CONDITIONS ON THE
DEVELOPMENT OF STRUCTURAL
HIERARCHY IN INJECTION MOLDED NYLON
COMPOSITES
Yalcin B; Cakmak M
Akron,University
(SPE)
Polyamide-6 (PA-6), PA-6 melt compounded
nanocomposite, and PA-6 polymerised nanocomposite
were injection moulded using two injection speeds and
two mould temperatures. Orientation was studied using
polarised optical microscopy. Melting and crystallisation
of compression moulded samples were studied using
differential scanning calorimetry and wide angle X-ray
diffraction. The presence of the nanofiller enhanced
preferential orientation through the thickness of the
moulded parts, even at mould temperatures close to the
polymer melting temperature. 11 refs.
USA
Accession no.827059
Item 234
NEW MODEL FOR INTERPRETING
NANOCOMPOSITE BEHAVIOR
Beall G W
St.Louis,Missouri Baptist College
(SPE)
A model for the prediction of nanocomposite properties
was developed from the tortuous path model. It considers
four distinct phases: clay; a surface modified phase; a
constrained polymer phase, the size and stability of which
is dependent upon intermolecular bonding energies; and
a polymer phase similar to the pure polymer. The model
predicts that: permeabilities may be higher or lower than
those from the simple tortuous path model, depending
upon the relative diffusion coefficients of the phases;

permeability may be different for different permeants; for
most polymers, nematic phases predominate above
approximately 5 wt% clay; and the filler aspect ratio is
not the only factor determining permeability. 18 refs.
USA
Accession no.827057
Item 235
Macromolecules
34, No.16, 31st July 2001, p.5727-9
DRIVEN DIFFUSION OF CONFINED
POLYMERS
Lee J Y; Loring R F
Cornell University
Molecular dynamics simulations of the flow of polymers
from a bulk melt into a slit were performed to model the
formation kinetics of polymer-layered silicate
nanocomposites. Calculations were compared with
experimental observations for PS. 17 refs.
USA
Accession no.826994
Item 236
Macromolecules
34, No.16, 31st July 2001, p.5398-407
ORGANIC/INORGANIC NANOCOMPOSITE
STAR POLYMERS VIA ATOM TRANSFER
RADICAL POLYMERIZATION OF METHYL
METHACRYLATE USING OCTAFUNCTIONAL
SILSESQUIOXANE CORES
Costa R O R; Vasconcelos W L; Tamaki R; Laine R M
Minas Gerais,Universidade Federal;
Michigan,University
Details are given of the atom transfer radical
polymerisation of a nanocomposite consisting of
dispersed nanosized silsesquioxane in PMMA. The effect
of variations in initiator and catalyst concentrations and
type of initiator on MWD of the polymers were
investigated. 52 refs.
BRAZIL; USA
Accession no.826957
Item 237
Polymer
42, No.19, 2001, p.8235-9
POLYAMIDE 6-CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES/
POLYPROPYLENE-GRAFTED-MALEIC
ANHYDRIDE ALLOYS
Xiaohui Liu; Quiju Wu; Bergland L A; Jiaqi Fan;
Zongnang Qi
Lulea,University of Technology; Chinese Academy of
Sciences
Polyamide 6-clay nanocomposites (PA6CN) based on
montmorillonite show increasing brittleness with clay
addition. PA6CN/PP-g-MAH alloys were prepared

through blending PA6CN with propylene-grafted-maleic
anhydride (PP-g-MAH). The dynamic mechanical
temperature spectra, morphology, mechanical properties
and water absorption of the alloys were studied. The
notched impact strength of the alloys increased greatly
compared with PA6CN and the alloys maintained their
higher stiffness and strength than that of PA 6. Scanning
electron microscopy was used to study the morphological
properties and it showed a PP-g-MAH toughening phase
dispersed in PA6CN matrix. As the PP-g-MAH content
was increased, reduced water absorption was observed.
36 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.826668
Item 238
39, No.12, 15th June 2001, p.1360-70
CLAY-REINFORCED POLYAMIDE:
PREFERENTIAL ORIENTATION OF THE
MONTMORILLONITE SHEETS AND THE
POLYAMIDE CRYSTALLINE LAMELLAE
Varlot K; Reynaud E; Kloppfer M H; Vigier G; Varlet J
Nancy,Universite Henri Poincare; Institut National des
Sciences Appliquees; Rhodia Recherches
The microstructure of polyamide-6/montmorillonite
nanocomposites was characterised. Intercalated and
exfoliated nanocomposites were prepared by the extrusion
and injection of polyamide-6 and swollen montmorillonite
respectively. The basal spacing was more homogeneous
in swollen montmorillonite than in non-treated
montmorillonite attributed to the presence of surfactant.
Surfactant crystallites were observed in swollen
montmorillonite and in the nanocomposites. The
nanocomposites exhibited highly anisotropic properties
attributed to the orientation of the montmorillonite sheets.
Detailed investigation of the montmorillonite sheets
preferential orientation by small-angle X-ray scattering
(SAXS) found it was related to the injection direction.
Also the average distance between two sheets was
measured from the SAXS spectra and found that the sheets
were parallel to each other and uniformly distributed in
the sample. The crystallographic state of the polyamide6 matrix was analysed by wide-angle X-ray diffraction
(WAXD) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC),
which showed it was mainly in the gamma form. This
differed from the pure form of polyamide-6 where both
alpha and gamma forms coexist. The montmorillonite
therefore played a major role in the crystallisation of the
polyamide-6 matrix. Consequently, the gamma form of
polyamide-6 lamellae is expected to be the preferred
orientation that will grow on the montmorillonite sheets.
It is considered that the orientation of the montmorillonite
sheets and the polyamide-6 lamella will play a major role
in the mechanical properties of nanocomposites. 11 refs.
111

WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.825483
Item 239
13, No.6, June 2001, p.2179-85
PREPARATION OF ORGANIC-INORGANIC
NANOCOMPOSITES WITH A LAYERED
TITANATE
Sukpirom N; Lerner M M
Oregon,State University
A report is presented on the application of colloidal
suspensions of exfoliated titania sheets, obtained in
tetrabutylammonium hydroxide solutions, as precursors
for the formation of lamellar titania nanocomposites with
PEO and polyvinyl pyrrolidone and on the structural and
compositional characterisation of these materials by Xray diffraction, TGA, DSC, FTIR and elemental analyses.
Structural characterisation indicated that the PEO
nanocomposites have polymer bilayers within titanate
galleries. FTIR and thermal analyses indicated a reduced
tetrabutylammonium cation content and water content
relative to the intercalation compounds formed without
polymer. 56 refs.
USA
Accession no.825074
Item 240
Macromolecules
34, No.12, 5th June 2001, p.4098-103
POLY(METHYL METHACRYLATE) AND
POLYSTYRENE/CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES
PREPARED BY IN-SITU POLYMERIZATION
Chanchun Zeng; Lee L J
PMMA/clay
nanocomposites
and
PS/clay
nanocomposites were synthesised by in-situ bulk
polymerisation. The polarity and hydrophilicity of the
initiators and monomers greatly affected the dispersion
of the clay, because of the interactions of the monomers
and initiators with the clay surface. Exfoliated PMMA
and PS/clay nanocomposites with a clay concentration
of 5 wt% were synthesised using a surfactant with a
polymerisable group to modify the clay surface. The
presence of clay substantially improved the dimensional
stability of the polymer matrix in an exfoliated
nanocomposite with uniform mesoscale (long range
distribution) clay dispersion. 51 refs.
USA
Accession no.824134
Item 241
Polymer
42, No.15, 2001, p.6545-6556
REINFORCEMENT OF
112
POLY(DIMETHYLSILOXANE) NETWORKS BY
MICA FLAKES
Osman M A; Atallah A; Muller M; Suter U W
ETH Zurich
Spherical and plate-like particles are used to reinforce a
poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) network. Laser
diffraction, gas adsorption, cation exchange and scanning
electron microscopy were used to examine the shape, size
distribution, aspect ratio and surface area of the particles.
The mechanical properties were measured of networks
prepared with different crosslinker concentration in order
to ascertain the optimal ratio of crosslinker to PDMS.
Homogeneous distribution of the filler in the polymer
matrix as well as complete dispersion of the particles are
prerequisites for studying the influence of other
parameters on the mechanical properties of composites.
The elastic modulus of the PDMS dramatically increased
by the addition of mica. The modulus rose with increasing
diameter and aspect ratio as well as with the volume
fraction of the particles. The plate-like particles enhanced
the ultimate strength of the composite better than spheres.
The strength enhancement was less dramatic and
dependence on particle size was reversed compared to
that of the modulus. The ultimate elongation of the mica
composites was comparable to that of glass spheres. The
polymer chains did not intercalate the aluminosilicate
layers of mica, as expected. 32 refs.
Accession no.823577
Item 242
61, No.9, 2001, p.1253-64
PREPARATION, STRUCTURE, PROPERTIES
AND THERMAL BEHAVIOUR OF RIGID-ROD
POLYIMIDE/MONTMORILLONITE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Magaraphan R; Lilayuthalert W; Sirivat A; Schwank J W
Chulalongkorn,University; Michigan,University
The above composites were produced from a solution of
polyamic acid and dodecyl-montmorillonite (DMONT)
using, as solvent, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and their
thermal properties investigated by DMA. Cured films of
the polyimide/DMONT hybrids were characterised by
wide-angle X-ray diffraction, TEM, TGA and FTIR
spectrocopy. The effects of DMONT content on the
mechanical properties, water absorption, dielectric
strength and onset of decomposition temperature were
examined as well as the influence of DMONT content
and polyimide flexibility on thermal expansion coefficient
and of DMONT content and matrix flexibility on heat
stability at high temperatures. The influence of high
temperature thermal cycling on thermal properties was
also examined.
THAILAND; USA
Accession no.822962
Item 243
Synthetic Metals
121, Nos.1-3, 15th March 2001, p.1325-6
SYNTHESIS AND ELECTRORHEOLOGY OF
EMULSION INTERCALATED PANI-CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITE
Choi H J; Kim J W; Joo J; Kim B H
Inha,University; Korea,University
The electrorheological (ER) characteristics of three
different polyaniline (PANI)/Na+-montmorillonite
(MMT) nanocomposite systems obtained by an emulsion
intercalation process were studied, and the nanocomposite
particles were dispersed in silicone oil. Insertion of the
PANI into the clay layer was studied by X-ray diffraction,
which confirmed that the conductive PANI polymer was
aligned with the clay layers. Dodecylbenzene sulphonate,
used as both emulsifier and dopant, played an important
part in the PANI-clay composites, and had an effect on
the conductivity of the nanoparticles and their ER
properties. ER fluids comprising PANI-clay composite
showed typical ER behaviour and increased static yield
stress under an applied electric field. 3 refs.
KOREA
Accession no.821862
Item 244
22, No.8, 15th June 2001, p.616-9
NEW APPROACH TO ENHANCE THE YIELD
STRESS OF ELECTRO-RHEOLOGICAL FLUIDS
BY POLYANILINE-COATED LAYERED
Park J H; Lim Y K; Park O O
Details are given of the synthesis of polyaniline/
organoclay nanocomposite particles and electrorheological fluids by dispersing the particles in silicone
oil. The effects of delaminated clay on the electrorheological yield stress were investigated and compared
with other electro-rheological fluid systems. 15 refs.
KOREA
Accession no.820204
the object of obtaining light-emitting devices (LED) based

on environmentally stable polymer/layered silicate
nanocomposite. The MEN-PPV/organo-clay ratio was 5/
1 to 1/1 (w/w). The LED of the 1/1 blend gave the
maximum quantum efficiency, 0.38% photons/electrons,
which was increased 100-fold compared with the pure
MEN-PPV layer device. The two-dimensional lamellartype nanocomposite device obtained had an electronic
structure similar to that of known quantum well devices.
10 refs.
KOREA
Accession no.819848
Item 246
Macromolecules
34, No.10, 8th May 2001, p.3255-60
PMMA NANOCOMPOSITES BY SUSPENSION
AND EMULSION POLYMERIZATION
Xinyu Huang; Brittain W J
Akron,University
PMMA-layered silicate nanocomposites were prepared
by in-situ suspension polymerisation and emulsion
polymerisation. Wide angle X-ray diffraction indicated
that exfoliated structures could be obtained by both
methods. The exfoliated structures remained stable during
melt processing for samples prepared using organic
modifiers which produced tethered polymer chains.
Compared with a PMMA macrocomposite, these
nanocomposites had glass transition temperatures which
were up to 15C higher and thermal degradation
temperatures up to 60C higher. 33 refs.
USA
Accession no.819258
Item 247
80, No.12, 20th June 2001, p.2162-6
PREPARATION OF POLYETHYLENE OXIDE/
LIXV(2-DELTA)O(4-DELTA)
NANOCOMPOSITES
Xiao Y; Hu K A; Yu Q C; Wu R J
Item 245
Synthetic Metals
121, Nos.1-3, 15th March 2001, p.1737-8
ENHANCED QUANTUM EFFICIENCY IN
NANOCOMPOSITE LIGHT-EMITTING
DEVICES
Tae-Woo Lee; O Ok Park; Jihyun Yoon; Jang-Joo Kim
Kwangju,Institute of Science & Technology
Nanocomposites of PEO and the above lithium vanadium

oxide were prepared in aqueous solution. Characterisation
of the nanocomposites using TGA, DSC, powder X-ray
diffraction and FTIR spectroscopy showed that polymer
chains intercalated inorganic host lamella and exhibited
lattice expansion along the stacking direction of 4.2A. A
possible model for the structure of the nanocomposite was
also provided. It was suggested that the PEO between
hosts had zig-zag type I conformation and that its
crystallinity was restricted. 17 refs.
Poly(2-methoxy-5-(2'- ethyl-hexyloxy)-1,4-phenylene
vinylene) (MEN-PPV) was blended with organo-clay with
CHINA
Accession no.817849
113
Item 248
Macromolecules
34, No.9, 24th April 2001, p.2992-9
CHAIN CONFORMATION AND
CRYSTALLIZATION BEHAVIOR OF THE
SYNDIOTACTIC POLYSTYRENE
NANOCOMPOSITES STUDIED USING
FOURIER TRANSFORM INFRARED ANALYSIS
Hew-Der Wu; Chen-Rui Tseng; Feng-Chih Chang
The effects of montmorillonite on the chain conformation
and crystallisation of syndiotactic PS(s-PS) thin films were
investigated using FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and
TEM. The clay was dispersed into the s-PS matrix using
solution blending with particle size in the ranges 1 to 2 nm,
or few tenths to 100 nm, depending on whether a surfactant
was added or not. Upon adding clay, the chain conformation
of s-PS tended to convert to TTTT from TTGG after drying
because the highly dispersed clay overcame the energy
barrier of chain conformation transformation. This
phenomenon led to a change in a conventional mechanism
of molecular packing for s-PS in the drying stage. During
melt-crystallisation, clay played an important role in
facilitating the formation of the thermodynamically favoured
all-trans beta form crystal, particularly on the s-PS thin film
samples. When the s-PS was melt-crystallised at a cooling
rate of 1C/min from 320C, the highest absolute crystallinity
of beta form up to 0.56 occurred in the clay dispersibility of
few tenths to 100 nm in the s-PS matrix. Dispersibility was
then 1 to 2 nm (0.49) and the final one was of pure s-PS
(0.42). Clay evidently affected the chain conformation and
crystallisation of s-PS. 30 refs.
TAIWAN
Accession no.817720
Item 249
39, No.11, 1st June 2001, p.1137-46
INTERCALATED CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES:
MORPHOLOGY, MECHANICS, AND
FRACTURE BEHAVIOR
Zerda A S; Lesser A J
Intercalated nanocomposites of surface-modified
montmorillonite clays in a glassy epoxy resin were prepared
by crosslinking the epoxy with aliphatic diamine curing
agents. The tensile modulus increased, but the intercalated
morphology led to reductions in the ultimate strength and
ductility. the macroscopic compressive behaviour was
unchanged, but the failure mechanisms in compression
differed from the unmodified epoxy resin. Improvements
in fracture toughness values of 100% over unmodified resin
were shown and the role of the morphology of the system
in this improvement was discussed. 22 refs.
USA
Accession no.817678
114
Item 250
81, No.1, 5th July 2001, p.215-22
ORIENTATIONAL EFFECT OF MICA IN FUMED
SILICA REINFORCED COMPOSITES
Bokobza L; Nugay N
Laboratoire de Physicochimie Struct.et Macromol.;
Bogazici,University
Mica filler was added to fumed silica-reinforced PDMS
at loading levels of 1, 2, 5, 10 and 15 phr and the
networks were crosslinked with dicumyl peroxide. the
stress-strain properteis of the composite did not seem to
be affected by the presence of the mica, but the swelling
and orientational results showed interaction of the
polymer chains with the filler particles. This produced
additional crosslinks into the system and thus increased
the network chain density. These interactions were not
shown in the stress-strain curves, probably because the
mica particles tended to orientate along the direction of
stretch, thereby decreasing the viscosity of the system.
19 refs.
TURKEY; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.817666
Item 251
22, No.5, 26th March 2001, p.329-34
POLYETHYLENE NANOCOMPOSITE
PREPARED VIA IN-SITU POLYMERIZATION
Rong J; Jing Z; Li H; Sheng M
Beijing,Research Institute of Petroleum Processing;
Details are given of the preparation of an organic/
inorganic nanocomposite of PE by in-situ coordination
polymerisation. The Ziegler-Natta catalyst was first
supported on the surface of silicate nanowhiskers to
subsequently initiate the polymerisation of ethylene on
the surface of these nanowhiskers. Interactions between
the nanowhiskers and the resin matrix are discussed. 34
refs.
CHINA
Accession no.816185
Item 252
22, No.5, 26th March 2001, p.320-5
PREPARATION AND RHEOLOGICAL
CHARACTERISTICS OF SOLVENT-CAST
POLYETHYLENE OXIDE/
Choi H J; Kim S G; Hyun Y H; Jhon M S
Inha,University; Carnegie Mellon University
PEO and montmorillonite clay nanocomposites were
intercalated by a solvent casting method using chloroform
as the cosolvent. The nanocomposites were characterised
by an X-ray diffraction method. Rheological properties

were investigated. 35 refs.
KOREA; USA
Accession no.816183
Item 253
13, No.3, March 2001, p.1131-6
ENHANCEMENT OF CORROSION
PROTECTION EFFECT IN POLYANILINE VIA
THE FORMATION OF POLYANILINE-CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITE MATERIALS
Yeh J-M; Liou S-J; Lai C-Y; Wu P-C; Tsai T-Y
Chung-Yuan,Christian University; Union Chemical
Laboratories
A series of nanocomposite materials consisting of
emeraldine base of polyaniline and layered
montmorillonite (MMT) clay are prepared by
effectively dispersing the inorganic nanolayers of MMT
clay in organic polyaniline matrix via in situ
polymerisation. Organic aniline monomers are first
intercalated into the interlayer regions of organophilic
clay hosts and followed by one-step oxidative
polymerisation. The as-synthesised polyaniline clay
lamellar nanocomposite materials are characterised by
IR spectroscopy, wide-angle powder X-ray diffraction
and transmission electron microscopy. Polyaniline-clay
nanocomposites (PCN) in the form of coatings with
low clay loading on cold-rolled steel (CRS) are found
much superior in corrosion protection over those of
conventional polyaniline based on a series of
electrochemical measurements of corrosion potential,
polarisation resistance and corrosion current in 5 wt.%
aqueous NaCl electrolyte. The molecular weights of
polyaniline extracted from PCN materials and bulk
polyaniline are determined by gel permeation
chromatography. Effects of the material composition on
the gas barrier property, thermal stability and mechanical
strength of polyaniline along with PCN materials, in the
form of both fine powder and free-standing film, are
also studied by gas permeability measurements,
differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric
analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis. 22 refs.
TAIWAN
Accession no.816133
Item 254
80, No.11, 13th June 2001, p.2067-72
ORGANOSOLUBLE POLYIMIDE/CLAY
HYBRIDS
Sheng-Huei Hsiao; Guey-Sheng Liou; Li-Ming Chang
Tatung,University; I-Shou University
A soluble polyimide was prepared from 7,7'-bis(4aminophenoxy)-4,4,4',4'-tetramethyl-2,2'-spirobichroman
and 4,4'-hexafluoroisopropylidenediphthalic anhydride,

and mixed with organo-modified montmorillonite or
synthetic mica in N,N-dimethylacetamide. Transparent,
flexible, and tough films were cast from the solutions and
characterised by wide-angle X-ray scattering,
transmission electron microscopy, thermomechanical
analysis, thermogravimetric analysis and differential
scanning calorimetry. The montmorillonite was more
homogeneously dispersed than the mica. Both minerals
gave a a reduction in thermal expansion coefficient and a
slight increase in thermal stability. 14 refs.
TAIWAN
Accession no.814360
Item 255
Polymer
42, No.13, 2001, p.5947-52
EXFOLIATION OF MONTMORILLONITE IN
EPOXY
In-Joo Chin; Thurn-Albrecht T; Ho-Cheol Kim; Russell
T P; Jing Wang
Massachusetts,University; Aspen Systems
The structural evolution of epoxy-octadecyl amine treated
montmorillonite nanocomposites was studied using small
angle X-ray scattering and atomic force microscopy.
When bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA) was cured
with equimolar or higher amounts of metaphenylenediamine (MPDA), only intercalated
nanostructures were obtained. Exfoliated nanostructures
were formed when DGEBA was cured with less than
stoichiometric amounts of MPDA or when DGEBA was
autopolymerised with montmorillonites. 28 refs.
USA
Accession no.814024
Item 256
Polymer
42, No.13, 2001, p.5849-58
REINFORCEMENT AND ENVIRONMENTAL
DEGRADATION OF NYLON-6/CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Shelley J S; Mather P T; DeVries K L
US,Air Force Research Laboratory;
Connecticut,University; Utah,University
The mechanism of reinforcement in nylon-6/clay
nanocomposites was studied using tensile testing,
dynamic mechanical analysis and FTIR spectroscopy. A
200% increase in modulus and a 175% improvement in
yield stress was possible in extruded sheet of a 5 wt%
clay nanocomposite. These improvements were attributed
to the complexation of mid-chain carbonyl groups with
the exfoliated clay lamellae. However, the incorporation
of clay into nylon-6 did little to protect the material from
exposure to atmospheric NO subscript 2, NO subscript 2
decreased the modulus and yield stress of moderately
oriented nanocomposite sheet. The same rate of
115
degradation occurred in the tensile modulus regardless

of clay content or constrained volume. 55 refs.
USA
Accession no.814012
Item 257
Polymer
42, No.13, 2001, p.5737-42
VISCOELASTICITY OF BIODEGRADABLE
POLYMER BLENDS OF POLY(3HYDROXYBUTYRATE) AND POLY(ETHYLENE
OXIDE)
Park S H; Lim S T; Shin T K; Choi H J; Jhon M S
Inha,University; Carnegie Mellon University
The viscoelastic properties of biodegradable poly(3hydroxybutyrate)/PEO blends were studied by both steady
shear and oscillatory experiments. The blends were
miscible. The elastic and viscous properties from the
steady shear experiments were qualitatively related to
those measured by the oscillatory experiments, despite
thermal degradation of the samples. 39 refs.
SOUTH KOREA; USA
Accession no.813999
Item 258
Macromolecules
34, No.8, 10th April 2001, p.2735-8
CHARACTERIZATION OF THE DISPERSION
OF CLAY IN A POLYETHERIMIDE
NANOCOMPOSITE
Morgan A B; Gilman J W; Jackson C L
Results are presented of TEM and X-ray diffraction studies
of the dispersion of montmorillonite (sodium
montmorillonite or montomorillonite treated with ndodecylamine ammonium salt or 12-aminododecanoic acid
ammonium salt) in a polyetherimide nanocomposite. 17 refs.
USA
Accession no.813465
Item 259
22, No.6, 5th April 2001, p.422-4
POLYACRYLIC ACID/MICA
SUPERABSORBENT NANOCOMPOSITE
Lin J; Wu J; Yang Z; Pu M
Huaqiao,University; Tianjin,University
A novel polyacrylic acid/mica superabsorbent composite
was synthesised by graft polymerisation reaction between
partially neutralised acrylic acid and ultrafine mica powder.
The influence of the neutralisation degree of acrylic acid
and well as the amounts of mica and crosslinker on the
absorbing properties are discussed. 8 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.812301
116
Item 260
80, No.4, 25th April 2001, p.592-603
SYNTHESIS AND LINEAR VISCOELASTIC
BEHAVIOUR OF POLYAMIC ACIDORGANOCLAY HYBRID
Kim J; Ahmed R; Lee S J
Seoul,National University; Karachi,University
The synthesis and rheology of polyamic acid-organoclay
hybrids were studied to determine the molecular chain
ordering and its relationship with clay particles in the
prepolymer. The composite solution was mixed to the
nanoscale level, and the extent of defoliation and phase
separation were studied using X-ray diffraction, TEM,
and DSC. Linear viscoelasticity was used to examine the
influence of increasing extent of organoclay. 57 refs.
KOREA; PAKISTAN
Accession no.811366
Item 261
Edition
39, No.7, 1st April 2001, p.986-96
FLAME-RETARDANT EPOXY RESINS: AN
APPROACH FROM ORGANIC INORGANIC
HYBRID NANOCOMPOSITES
Hsiue G H; Liu Y L; Liao H H
Taiwan,National Tsing Hua University; Chung Yuan
University
Phosphorus-containing epoxy-based epoxy-silica hybrid
materials with a nanostructure are obtained from bis(3glycidyloxy)phenylphosphene oxide, diaminodiphenylmethane and tetraethoxysilane in the presence of
the catalyst p-toluenesulphonic acid via an in situ sol-gel
process. The silica, formed on a nanometer scale in the epoxy
resin, is characterised with Fourier transform IR, NMR and
scanning electron microscopy. The glass transition
temperatures of the hybrid epoxy resins increase with silica
content. The nanometer-scale silica shows an enhancement
effect in improving the flame retardant properties of the
epoxy resins. The phosphorus-silica synergistic effect on the
limited oxygen index (LOI) enhancement is also observed
with a high LOI value of 44.5. 36 refs.
TAIWAN
Accession no.811204
Item 262
Macromolecules
34, No.6, 13th March 2001, p.1864-72
RHEOLOGY OF POLYPROPYLENE/CLAY
HYBRID MATERIALS
Solomon M J; Almusallam A S; Seefeldt K F;
Somwangthanaroj A; Varadan P
Michigan,University
Hybrid materials of PP and amine-exchanged
montmorillonite were prepared by melt mixing the
components with maleic anhydride-functionalised PP as

the compatibiliser. At inorganic loadings above 2.0%, the
hybrid materials showed apparent low frequency plateaus
in the linear viscoelastic moduli. The hybrid storage
modulus depended on the chemistry of the amine
exchanged into the clay. The amount of stress overshoot
in flow reversal experiments was a function of the rest
time allowed between the reversal. The transient stress in
start-up of steady shear scaled with the applied strain.
The results enabled the nanocomposite structure to be
characterised, particularly at the mesoscopic level. 31 refs.
USA
Accession no.811063
Item 263
36, No.4, 15th Feb.2001, p.871-7
MONTMORILLONITE/ORGANO-SOLUBLE
POLYIMIDE HYBRID MATERIALS PREPARED
BY A ONE-STEP APPROACH
Jun-Chao Huang; Zi-Kang Zhu; Xiao-Dong Ma; XueFeng Qian; Jie Yin
Montmorillonite(MMT)/organo-soluble polyimide(PI)
hybrids were prepared by a one-step approach. The
organo-modified MMT was dispersed in a solution of
diphenylether-3,3',4,4'-tetracarboxylic dianhydride and
4,4'-diamino-3,3'-dimethyldiphenylmethane. The solution
polycondensation followed by a direct solution
imidisation at 180C resulted in MMT/PI hybrid solutions.
From wide-angle X-ray diffraction and TEM results, the
MMT was basically exfoliated in the hybrid films cast
from the solutions where the MMT content was below 5
wt %. Further increase in the MMT content led to severe
aggregation. The properties of a MMT/PI hybrid were
significantly dependent on the MMT content. When the
MMT content was below 6 wt %, the introduction of the
MMT led to strengthening and toughening of the PI matrix
at the same time. The introduction of the MMT also
resulted in improved thermal stability, a marked decrease
in coefficient of thermal expansion, a slight increase in
Tg and an increase in modulus. 34 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.810892
octadecyl amine, was studied by TGA in comparison with

that of non-exfoliated microcomposites based on
organoclay, modified with protonated butyl amine. In the
case of the nanocomposite, the temp. at which
volatilisation occurred increased as compared with that
of the microcomposite. Furthermore, the thermal
oxidation process of the polymer was markedly slowed
down in the nanocomposite with high char yield, both by
a physical barrier effect enhanced by ablative
reassembling of the silicate and by a chemical catalytic
action due to the silicate and to the strongly acid sites
created by thermal decomposition of the protonated amine
silicate modifier. 10 refs.
Accession no.810866
Item 265
13, No.2, Feb.2001, p.250-2
INCLUSION OF POLY(TETRAMETHYL-PPHENYLENEDIAMINE DIHYDROCHLORIDE)
INTO MOO3: A COOPERATIVE FORMATION
ROUTE TO CONSTRUCT A POLYMER/MOO3
LAYERED STRUCTURE
Shao Ke; Ma Ying; Cao Ya-an; Chen Zhao-hui; Ji Xuehai; Yao Jian-nian
A polymer/molybdenum trioxide layered structure was
obtained via a cooperative formation route by mixing the
organic monomers with acidified ammonium molybdate.
Molybdenum trioxide deposited as a hydrolysis product
of ammonium molybdate when the monomers began to
be polymerised. The polymer could be intercalated into
molybdenum trioxide layers and its polymerisation would
be made irreversible. The polymerisation was thus
accelerated and could be conducted simultaneously with
deposition of molybdenum trioxide. As a result, a
precipitation of layered polymer/molybdenum trioxide
could be obtained as soon as the starting materials were
mixed. 14 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.810486
Item 264
22, No.3, 23rd Feb.2001, p.176-80
THERMAL BEHAVIOUR OF
POLY(PROPYLENE) LAYERED SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Zanetti M; Camino G; Reichert P; Muelhaupt R
Torino,Universita; Freiburger
Materialforschungszentrum; Albert-Ludwigs,University
Item 266
13, No.1, Jan.2001, p.222-6
EFFECT OF REACTIVITY OF ORGANICSMODIFIED MONTMORILLONITE ON THE
OF MONTMORILLONITE/POLYIMIDE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Horng-Long Tyan; Chyi-Ming Leu; Kung-Hwa Wei
Taiwan,National Chiao Tung University
The thermal degradation behaviour of nanocomposites

based on PP/organoclay, modified with protonated
Montmorillonite/polyimide (3,3',4,4'-benzophenone
tetracarboxylic dianhydride-4,4'-oxydianiline, BTDA-ODA)
117
nanocomposites displaying different morphological, thermal

and mechanical characteristics were synthesised by using
mono-, di- and trifunctional group swelling agent-modified
montmorillonite and polyamic acid. It was found that the
dispersion of silicate layers in BTDA-ODA shifted from
intercalated to exfoliated structures when the number of
functional groups of the swelling agent increased to three,
as shown by X-ray diffraction and TEM studies. The
improved morphology of the nanocomposites resulted in
their enhanced mechanical and thermal properties. In
particular, a 70% increase in Youngs modulus, a 50%
increase in the maximum stress and a 30% reduction in the
coefficients of thermal expansion were observed for the case
of BTDA-ODA nanocomposites containing 5 wt %
trifunctional group swelling agent-modified montmorillonite
as compared with that of pure BTDA-ODA. 25 refs.
TAIWAN
Accession no.810432
melt intercalation, with and without a compatibiliser. They

were annealed and simultaneously characterised using
high-temperature wide angle X-ray diffraction and
controlled stress rheometry. The addition of a
compatibiliser gave significantly higher creep resistance,
and the creep resistance of the compatibilised composites
increased with annealing time. From the creep data and
microstructural studies it was concluded that a small
amount of exfoliation occurred at the edges of the clay
crystallites during extrusion and annealing. The zero shear
viscosity of the compatibilised composites containing
more than 3 wt% clay was at least 3 orders of magnitude
greater than that of the matrix polymer and
uncompatibilised composites. The increase in zero shear
viscosity was not accompanied by an increase in flow
activation energy. The rheological behaviour of the
nanocomposites was attributed to large frictional
interactions between the clay crystallites. 21 refs.
INDIA
Item 267
Synthetic Metals
117, Nos.1-3, 15th Feb.2001, p.115-8
PHYSICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF
POLYANILINE-NA SUPERSCRIPT +MONTMORILLONITE NANOCOMPOSITE
INTERCALATED BY EMULSION
POLYMERIZATION
Kim B H; Jung J H; Kim J W; Choi H J; Joo J
Korea,University; Inha,University
Dodecyl benzene sulphonic acid doped polyaniline-Na
superscript +-montmorillonite nanocomposite (PANDBSA-clay) was synthesised by emulsion polymerisation.
The temperature dependence of the direct current (dc)
conductivity of the nanocomposite followed a quasi onedimensional variable range hopping model. PAN-DBSA
samples were in critical or metallic regime, whereas PANDBSA/clay samples were in insulating regime. The low
conducting state of the nanocomposite samples resulted
from the insertion of the clay layer which weakened the
interchain interactions. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,
EPR and X-ray diffraction studies showed that PANDBSA layers were inserted between the layers of Na
superscript +-montmorillonite. 20 refs.
SOUTH KOREA
Accession no.809665
Item 268
Macromolecules
34, No.4, 13th Feb.2001, p.852-8
RHEOLOGICAL STUDY ON THE KINETICS OF
HYBRID FORMATION IN POLYPROPYLENE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Galgali G; Ramesh C; Lele A
India,National Chemical Laboratory
Nanocomposites of polypropylene containing an
organically modified montmorillonite were prepared by
118
Accession no.808647
Item 269
39, No.5, 1st March 2001, p.471-6
MONTMORILLONITE-BASED
NANOCOMPOSITES OF POLYBENZOXAZOLE.
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION
Chang J-H; Park S-K; Ihn K J
Kumoh,National University of Technology;
Korea,Kangweon National University
Polyamic acid was synthesised by means of lowtemperature
solution
polymerisation
of
dihydroxybenzidine and pyromellitic dianhydride in
dimethylacetamide. The precursor polymer was heat
treated at different temperatures to create a
polybenzoxazole through a polyimide. Data are presented
for mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of
montmorillonite filled polybenzoxazoles. 18 refs.
KOREA
Accession no.808072
Item 270
Macromolecules
34, No.2, 16th Jan.2001, p.337-9
NEW BIOMEDICAL POLY(URETHANE UREA)LAYERED SILICATE NANOCOMPOSITES
Ruijian Xu; Manias E; Snyder A J; Runt J
Poly(urethane
urea)-alkylammonium-modified
montmorillonite nanocomposite films were prepared. A
significant reduction in gas permeability and an
improvement in mechanical properties were observed for
these layered films compared with neat poly(urethane
urea). 19 refs.
USA
Accession no.807933
Item 271
39, No.4, 15th Feb.2001, p.446-50
PP/CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES: A STUDY OF
CRYSTALLIZATION AND DYNAMIC
MECHANICAL BEHAVIOR
Hambir S; Bulakh N; Kodgire P; Kalgaonkar R; Jog J P
The crystallisation and dynamic mechanical properties
of PP/clay nanocomposites were investigated. The
composites exhibited disordered structures, as evidenced
by the X-ray diffraction patterns. The thermal degradation
temp. increased from 270 to about 330C on addition of
the filler. DMA showed a significant improvement in the
storage modulus. The intensity of the loss modulus peak
was reduced, showing weak cooperative relaxations of
PP in the PP/clay composites. A dramatic change in the
crystalline morphology was observed in the PP/clay
composites. The composites crystallised at a high temp.
exhibited fibrous structures that grew with time. 13 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.807384
Item 272
Polymer
42, No.7, 2001, p.3213-21
HYDROGEN BONDING AND MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES IN SEGMENTED
MONTMORILLONITE/POLYURETHANE
NANOCOMPOSITES OF DIFFERENT HARD
SEGMENT RATIOS
Tien Y I; Wei K H
Hydrogen bonding in the hard segments of
montmorillonite/PU nanocomposites of various hard
segment ratios was found to decrease with increasing
amount of montmorillonite, regardless of the hard
segment ratios, but to reach plateau values at 5 wt %
montmorillonite concentration. The maximal reductions
of the hydrogen bonding in the PU nanocomposites ranged
from 20 to 37%, depending on the hard segment ratios,
as compared with that in the pure PU. The maximal
strength and the EB of the PU nanocomposites increased
significantly as compared with that of pristine PU and
the maximal values occurred at 1 wt % montmorillonite
concentration. 31 refs.
TAIWAN
Accession no.807221
Item 273
Polymer
42, No.8, 2001, p.3399-408
OF POLYIMIDE-CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES
Agag T; Koga T; Takeichi T
Toyohashi,University of Technology
The effect of the inclusion of a clay nanolayer on the

mechanical and thermal properties of polyimides prepared
from either 3,3',4,4'-biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride
(BPDA) and p-phenylene diamine (PDA) or pyromellitic
dianhydride and 4,4'-oxydianiline. The curing behaviour,
tensile and thermal properties of the nanocomposites are
discussed as are the viscoelastic properties and linear
coefficient of thermal expansion of the BPDA/PDA
polyimide-clay nanocomposites. The effect of cold
drawing on the BPDA/PDA polyimide clay
nanocomposites is also evaluated and the amount of clay
loading to provide nanocomposites with the best balance
of properties established. 33 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.806138
Item 274
Orlando, Fl., 7th-11th May, 2000, paper 710
DISPERSION OF NANOSCOPIC CLAY
PARTICLES IN THERMOPLASTIC POLYMERS
Barber G D; Carter C M; Moore R B
(SPE)
Alternative methods of clay dispersion, including melt
processing, in-situ polymerisation and solution mixing,
were evaluated for the dispersion of organically-modified
montmorillonite nanoparticles in polymers, using ionomer
compatibilisers. The polymer/ionomer combinations
studied were: polyamide-6,6 (PA)/sulphonated PA, and
poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PETP)/sulphonated PETP.
The prepared nanocomposites were characterised by small
angle X-ray scattering, transmission electron microscopy,
differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric
analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and tensile testing.
The incorporation of clay into PETP and PA gave partially
intercalated structures, which were compatibilised by the
introduction of the ionomers, with increasing ionic content
and/or ionomer content giving increasing compatibility.
Sulphonated PETP containing 10 mol% ionic
functionality and sulphonated PA containing 2.3 mol%
ionic functionality were effective compatibilisers for their
respective homopolymers, giving a predominantly
exfoliated morphology. The clay nanoparticles also acted
as nucleating agents. 18 refs.
USA
Accession no.805718
Item 275
Fall Meeting 2000. Volume 83.
Washington, D.C., 20th-24th Aug.2000, p.105-6
FLAME RETARDANT PROPERTIES OF
NOVOLAC PHENOLIC/BISOXAZOLINE
AMENDED WITH AN EPOXY-TERMINATED
SILOXANE AND CLAY NANOCOMPOSITE
119
Dekar A; Stretz H; Koo J

Southwest Texas,State University
It is determined whether pendant siloxanes and exfoliated
nanocomposites provide interesting fire retardant
properties to a phenolic system crosslinked with
bisoxazoline and whether their action on the modulus,
fire retardancy and impact strength is complementary. 7
refs.
USA
Accession no.802845
Item 276
Fall Meeting 2000. Volume 83.
Washington, D.C., 20th-24th Aug.2000, p.53-4
FLAMMABILITY OF POLYSTYRENE-CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Morgan A B; Gilman J W; Harris R H; Jackson C L;
Wilkie C A; Zhu J
US,National Inst.of Standards & Technology;
Research in the area of condensed phase flame retardants
for polymers usually builds upon technologies, such as
metal hydroxides or phosphorus based materials.
However, these materials tend to weaken mechanical
properties while improving flammability resistance. No
major new flame retardant technology has emerged in
this area for quite some time. Polymer-clay
nanocomposites have generated a great deal of interest
lately due to improved mechanical and thermal properties.
Also, they have improved flammability resistance while
maintaining good mechanical properties, a key advantage
over existing condensed phase flame retardants. It has
been shown that polymer-clay nanocomposites have
greatly reduced heat release rates. Further, polymers are
observed which normally do not char, or leave any
carbonaceous residue upon burning, produce char in the
presence of clay. The flammability properties of styrene
copolymers with phosphates and the ability to crosslink
via Friedel-Crafts chemistry have been investigated.
Friedel-Crafts technology is combined with clay to obtain
an improved flame resistant PS. 4 refs.
USA
Accession no.802816
The role of various quaternary ammonium-modified

montmorillonites in epoxy/diamine nanocomposite
formation is examined to further refine the criteria for
selection of organic modifiers necessary to enable
fabrication of thermoset resins containing nanoscale
dispersions of inorganic phases. Utilisation of a hydroxylsubstituted quaternary ammonium modifier affords
flexibility to combine both catalytic functionality, which
increases the intragallery reaction rate, with enhanced
miscibility toward both reagents. The rheological
implications of these processing techniques are discussed
with regards to using thermoset nanocomposites as a
matrix in conventional fibre reinforced composites. The
use of a low-boiling solvent to enhance mixability and
processability of the initial mixtures is shown not to alter
the structure or properties of the final nanocomposite. The
use of autoclave techniques enables fabrication of highquality specimens containing up to 20 wt.% organically
modified layered silicate. Finally, exfoliated and partially
exfoliated epoxy/diamine nanocomposites are produced
with enhanced heat-distortion temperature and increased
flammability resistance. 28 refs.
USA
Accession no.802545
Item 278
Advanced Materials
12, No.23, 1st Dec.2000, p.1835-9
POLYMERIC NANOCOMPOSITES FOR
Garces J M; Moll D J; Bicerano J; Fibiger R;
McLeod D G
Dow Chemical Co.; Dow Automotive
The use of nanocomposites for automotive applications
is discussed in comparison with that of traditional
materials. The key nanocomposite properties for
automotive applications are described, including
enhanced modulus and dimensional stability, higher heat
distortion temp., improved scratch and mar resistance,
and toughness and rheological properties. The production
of polyolefin nanocomposites by melt processing of
organoclays with modified polymers or by various insitu polymerisation methods is examined. The challenge
of developing nanocomposites at competitive cost and
with superior performance to replace metals and/or
existing polymeric filler composites is considered. 22 refs.
USA
Item 277
12, No.11, Nov.2000, p.3376-84
THERMOSET-LAYERED SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITES. QUATERNARY
AMMONIUM MONTMORILLONITE WITH
PRIMARY DIAMINE CURED EPOXIES
Brown J M; Curliss D; Vaia R A
US,Air Force,Wright-Patterson Base
120
Accession no.800708
Item 279
79, No.2, 10th Jan.2001, p.289-94
NOVEL PREPARATION OF POLYIMIDE/CLAY
HYBRID FILMS WITH LOW COEFFICIENT OF
THERMAL EXPANSION
Aijuan Gu; Feng-Chih Chang
Zhejiang,University; Taiwan,National Chiao Tung

University
exfoliation of the clay as the epoxy resin was cured. The

exfoliation mechanism is discussed. 18 refs.
A polyimide/clay hybrid nanocomposite (PI(PAAS)/CM)

was developed from the polyamic acid salt of
triethylamine and organomontmorillonite(CM) using a
mixture solution of THF and methanol. For comparison,
two other polyimide/clay hybrids derived from polyamic
acid and CM in THF/methanol solution and DMAc
solution (PI/CM(T/M) and PI/CM(DMAc), respectively)
were also prepared. Dispersion of CM in polymer matrix,
tensile properties and thermal expansion properties of the
three hybrids were investigated. Results showed that
PI(PAAS)/CM had the best dispersion of CM in polymer
matrix, highest elongation and the lowest coefficient of
thermal expansion values of all the prepared hybrids. In
addition, PI/CM(T/M) had better dispersion of CM and
lower coefficient of thermal expansion value than PI/
CM(DMAc). 23 refs.
CHINA
CHINA; TAIWAN
Accession no.800671
Item 280
Polymer
42, No.6, 2001, p.2685-8
DISPERSED STRUCTURE AND IONIC
CONDUCTIVITY OF SMECTIC CLAY/
POLYMER NANOCOMPOSITES
Okamoto M; Morita S; Kotaka T
Toyota Technological Institute
The correlation was examined between the internal
structure and the ionic conductivity behaviour of
lipophilised smectic clay/polymer nanocomposites having
various dispersed morphologies of the clay layers. Both
PS/clay and methyl methacrylate-acrylamide
copolymer(99/1 mole ratio)/clay intercalated
nanocomposites, which had finer dispersion of the clay
layers, exhibited higher ionic conductivity than the other
systems such as PMMA/clay nanocomposite with
stacking layer structure. The conductivity of the
nanocomposites was higher with increasing fineness of
the dispersed morphology. 10 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.800651
Item 281
39, No.1, 1st Jan.2001, p.115-20
STUDY ON INTERCALATION AND
EXFOLIATION BEHAVIOUR OF
ORGANOCLAYS IN EPOXY RESIN
Lu J; Ke Y; Qi Z; Yi X-S
Hangzhou,Zhejiang University; Chinese Academy of
Sciences
The intercalation and exfoliation behaviour of organoclays
in epoxy resins were studied through X-ray diffraction
and DSC. A nanocomposite was obtained by the
Accession no.799621
Item 282
Polymer
42, No.4, 2001, p.1621-31
SECONDARY STRUCTURE AND ELEVATED
TEMPERATURE CRYSTALLITE
MORPHOLOGY OF NYLON-6/LAYERED
Lincoln D M; Vaia R A; Wang Z G; Hsiao B S
Wright-Patterson Air Force Base; New York,State
University
Mesoscale (secondary) structure arising from association
of layered silicates was quantified and its effect, together
with that of constituent interactions, on elevated temp.
crystalline morphology in nylon-6/montmorillonite
nanocomposites was examined. Simultaneous small- and
wide-angle X-ray scattering and diffraction methods were
developed to provide detailed information on the
secondary structure of the layered silicate and the structure
of the crystalline polymer in the presence of the layered
silicate. Ultra-long range order of the inorganic layers
was observed at low-volume fractions. Elevated temp.
(205C) crystallite morphology of the nylon-6 matrix
depended on the secondary structure and interfacial
interactions. Smaller, more disordered lamellae were
observed in the in-situ polymerised nanocomposites,
whereas larger, more ordered lamellae were observed in
melt-processed nanocomposites. 67 refs.
USA
Accession no.798940
Item 283
Polymer
42, No.4, 2001, p.1303-10
SYNTHESIS OF EPOXY-CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES: INFLUENCE OF THE
NATURE OF THE CLAY ON STRUCTURE
Kornmann X; Lindberg H; Berglund L A
Epoxy resin-clay nanocomposites were synthesised using
two montmorillonite clays(MMT) with different cationexchange capacities(CEC) with the aim of investigating
the influence of the clay on the synthesis and structure of
epoxy resin-clay nanocomposites. The dispersion of the
1 nm thick clay layers was investigated by X-ray
diffraction(XRD) and TEM. Although XRD did not show
any apparent order of the clay layers in the nanocomposite,
TEM revealed parallel clay layers with interlamellar
spacing of 90A and 110A for the higher and lower CEC
clays, respectively, and the presence of remnant multiplets
of non-exfoliated layers. A mechanism responsible for
the influence of CEC on nanocomposite interlamellar
121
spacing is discussed. The dispersion of the clay was

investigated by SEM and found to be finer in the
nanocomposites than in conventional composites,
although the nanocomposites still had clay aggregates at
the microscale rather than a monolithic structure. 29 refs.
interactions of an ordered polymeric guest do not preclude

intercalation. The production of ultra-high performance
polymer nanocomposites is thus possible. It was considered
that the work showed a finite-size effect of the nematic
state of thermotropic liquid crystalline polymers. 29 refs.

EUROPE
USA
Accession no.798907
Item 284
Orlando, Fl., 7th-11th May, 2000, paper 319
EFFECT OF LAYERED SILICATES ON
THERMAL CHARACTERISTICS OF
POLYCARBONATE NANOCOMPOSITES
Severe G; Hsieh A J; Koene B E
US,Army Research Laboratory; Triton Systems Inc.
(SPE)
Polycarbonate (PC)-matrix nanocomposites, containing
layered silicates including phosphonium exchanged
montmorillonites and synthetic clays containing C18alkyl side chains with or without additional tethering
amino- or epoxy-groups, were characterised using
differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric
analysis. The presence of the synthetic clays had little
influence on the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the
polymer, whilst those containing the montmorillonitebased fillers exhibited a very slight decrease in Tg. An
endotherm was observed at approximately 50 C. The
thermal stability was adversely affected by the addition
of the synthetic clays, the nanocomposites containing
7.5% and 10% of the C18-synthetic clay exhibiting a twostep degradation, the second step occurring at a
temperature slightly higher than the onset degradation
temperature of pure PC. The nanocomposites containing
exchanged montmorillonites exhibited higher thermal
stability than those containing synthetic clays, the onset
temperature of thermal degradation being slightly higher
than that of pure PC. 7 refs.
USA
Accession no.798501
Item 285
Polymer
42, No.3, 2001, p.1281-5
LIQUID CRYSTAL POLYMER
NANOCOMPOSITES: DIRECT
INTERCALATION OF THERMOTROPIC
LIQUID CRYSTALLINE POLYMERS INTO
LAYERED SILICATES
Vaia R A; Giannelis E P
US,Air Force Research Laboratory; Cornell University
Two ordered media such as organically modified layered
silicates and thermotropic liquid-crystalline polymers were
demonstrated to have reversible intercalation in the nematic
state. The decreased diffusivities and intermolecular
122
Accession no.798402
Item 286
Polymer
42, No.3, 2001, p.1201-6
DISPERSED STRUCTURE CHANGE OF
SMECTIC CLAY/POLY(METHYL
METHACRYLATE) NANOCOMPOSITES BY
COPOLYMERIZATION WITH POLAR
COMONOMERS
Okamoto M; Morita S; Kim Y H; Kotaka T; Tateyama H
Toyota Technological Institute; Kyushu,National
Industrial Research Institute
Methyl methacrylate was copolymerised, using an in-situ
method, with a small amount of polar comonomers such
as N,N-dimethylaminopropyl acrylamide, N,Ndimethylaminoethyl acrylate and acrylamide clay/
copolymer-based nanocomposites were produced using
lipophilised smectic clay. The dispersion and intercalation
spacing were investigated using transmission electron
microscopy and X-ray diffraction techniques. Inclusion
of the clay gave a lower modulus due to the large aspect
ratio of the dispersed clay particles. 6 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.798392
Item 287
Polymer
42, No.3, 2001, p.1095-100
INFLUENCE OF NANOFILLERS ON THE
DEFORMATION PROCESS IN LAYERED
SILICATE/POLYAMIDE-12 NANOCOMPOSITES
Kim GG-M; Lee D-H; Hoffmann B; Kressler J;
Stoppelmann G
Eindhoven,University of Technology;
Kyungpook,National University; AlbertLudwigs,University; Halle,Martin-Luther-Universitat
Injection moulded polymer nanocomposites from a
synthetic layered silicate and polyamide-12, were studied
for their morphology and the influence on local
deformation processes of the nanofiller particles. The
dispersion of the silicate and the orientation of the lamellae
were seen in the complexity of the deformation
mechanisms. These latter mechanisms influence the
macroscopic properties of the nanocomposite. The main
deformation mechanism is the formation of microvoids
within the layered silicate structure. 42 refs.
NETHERLANDS; SOUTH KOREA; SWITZERLAND; WESTERN
EUROPE
Accession no.798382
Item 288
Polymer
42, No.3, 2001, p.1083-94
NYLON 6 NANOCOMPOSITES BY MELT
COMPOUNDING
Cho J W; Paul D R
Austin,University of Texas
Nanocomposites from nylon 6 and organoclay were
prepared by direct melt compounding using a
conventional twin-screw extruder. The morphology and
mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were
determined and a comparison made with similar materials
produced by an in situ polymerisation technique. 53 refs.
USA
Accession no.798381
Item 289
Polymer
42, No.3, 2001, p.873-7
POLY(ETHERIMIDE)/MONTMORILLONITE
NANOCOMPOSITES PREPARED BY MELT
INTERCALATION: MORPHOLOGY, SOLVENT
RESISTANCE PROPERTIES AND THERMAL
PROPERTIES
Huang J-C; Zhu Z-K; Qian X-F; Sun Y-Y
By melt-blending in an internal mixer an organic
modified montmorillonite nanocomposite with a
thermoplastic poly(etherimide) was prepared. X-ray
diffraction was used to determine the dispersion of the
montmorillonite layers within the poly(etherimide)
matrix. The nanocomposites which resulted were found
to exhibit a substantial glass transition temperature and
thermal decomposition temperature increase, coupled
with a dramatic solvent uptake compared to the original
poly(etherimide). 24 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.798360
Item 290
38, No.22, 15th Nov.2000, p.2873-8
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CLAYPOLYIMIDE NANOCOMPOSITES VIA ODAMODIFIED ORGANOCLAY
Tyan H-L; Wei K-H; Hsieh T-E
Clay-polyimide nanocomposites were synthesised from
modified montmorillonite and polyamic acid. The layered
silicates of organoclay were intercalated by polyimide and
examined by X-ray diffraction and TEM. Tensile
properties of the nanocomposites were investigated. 25
refs.
TAIWAN
Accession no.797643
Item 291
Polymer Preprints. Volume 40. Number 2. August
1999. Conference proceedings.
New Orleans, La., August 1999, p.813-4
SYNTHESIS AND ELECTRORHEOLOGICAL
CHARACTERISATION OF POLYANILINE-NA+MONTMORILLONITE CLAY SUSPENSIONS
Chai H J; Kim J W; Kim S G; Jhon M S
Electrorheological (ER) fluids are fluids whose
rheological properties depend strongly and reversibly on
an applied electric field. It is generally accepted that the
ER effect of these suspensions is a result of particle
fibrillation (strings of particles) oriented along the electric
field direction. In general, ER fluids can solidify in (the
order of) milliseconds and fluidise under applied
deformation that destroys the chain structure formed by
the particles. SAN-clay nanocomposite particles and their
ER properties have recently been studied. The Na+exchanged MMT sample was emulsion polymerised with
SAN in the presence of potassium persulphate and sodium
lauryl sulphate. A novel investigation of the ER
characteristics for suspensions of PANI-clay composite
particles with intercalation structure is presented. 15 refs.
USA
Accession no.797275
Item 292
21, No.16, 14th Nov.2000, p.1136-9
EXPANSION DISTRIBUTION OF BASAL
SPACING OF THE SILICATE LAYERS IN
POLYANILINE/NA+-MONTMORILLONITE
NANOCOMPOSITES MONITORED WITH XRAY DIFFRACTION
Lee D; Lee S-H; Char K; Kim J
Seoul,National University; Sung Kyun Kwan
University
The preparation of polyaniline/sodium montmorillonite
nanocomposites by in-situ intercalation polymerisation
of aniline into sodium montmorillonite is described. The
expansion distribution of basal spacing of the silicate
layers in the nanocomposite upon increasing polyaniline
content is demonstrated by an analysis of the square of
the full-width at half-maximum of X-ray diffraction
patterns and the relationship between the change in the
basal spacing of the silicate layers to the degree of
hydrogen bonding between the polyaniline and silicate
basal surface in a confined geometry is discussed. 9 refs.
KOREA
Accession no.795889
Item 293
Macromolecules
33, No.20, 3rd Oct.2000, p.7219-22
123
SHEAR ORIENTATION OF VISCOELASTIC

POLYMER-CLAY SOLUTIONS PROBED BY
FLOW BIREFRINGENCE AND SANS
Schmidt G; Nakatani A I; Butler P D; Karim A; Han C
C
Results are presented of an investigation of the influence
of shear on the structure of a highly viscoelastic synthetic
hectorite-type clay-PEO aqueous solution, carried out by
means of flow birefringence and small-angle neutron
scattering measurements. The clay particles were
composed of platelets of high purity and uniform
crystallite size. The results obtained indicated that the
polymer chains must be adsorbed to the clay particles
and that flow was sufficiently strong to enhance and
maintain a continuous increase in the orientation of the
polymer-clay system. 37 refs.
USA
Accession no.794470
Item 294
Polymer Bulletin
45, No.2, Sept.2000, p.183-90
EFFECTS OF ACRYLONITRILE CONTENT ON
THE PROPERTIES OF CLAY-DISPERSED
POLY(STYRENE-CO-ACRYLONITRILE)
COPOLYMER NANOCOMPOSITE
Moon Bae Ko
Korea,Institute of Science & Technology
Clay-dispersed nanocomposites were prepared by melt
mixing of poly(styrene-co-acrylonitrile) copolymers with
different acrylonitrile contents with two different kinds
of organophilic clay, using a twin-screw extruder. The
dispersion behaviour of 10 Angstrom-thick silicate layers
was studied by TEM and X-ray diffraction. The
acrylonitrile component of the copolymers accelerated
intercalation of the copolymers into the galleries of the
silicate layers modified with either dimethyl
hydrogenated-tallow (2-ethylhexyl)ammonium or methyl
tallow bis-2-hydroxyethylammonium. The reaction
mechanisms which occurred were discussed. 9 refs.
KOREA
Accession no.794373
Item 295
78, No.11, 9th Dec.2000, p.1918-22
PREPARATION AND MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES OF POLYPROPYLENE-CLAY
HYBRIDS BASED ON MODIFIED
POLYPROPYLENE AND ORGANOPHILIC
CLAY
Hasegawa N; Okamoto H; Kato M; Usuki A
PP-clay hybrid composites were prepared by melt
blending of maleic anhydride-modified PP and
124
organophilic clay. The silicate layers of the clay in these

hybrids were exfoliated and dispersed to the monolayers.
The hybridisation of the clay in PP was achieved with
modified PP with a small amount of maleic anhydride
groups. The tensile modulus of the hybrid composite with
5 wt % clay was 1.9 times higher than that of the matrix
resin at 25C. The dynamic storage moduli of the
composites were also higher than those of the modified
PP. The moduli were 2.5 times higher than that of the
matrix resin at 60C. 20 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.793642
Item 296
78, No.11, 9th Dec.2000, p.1879-83
RUBBER-CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES
Yizhong Wang; Liqun Zhang; Chunhong Tang;
Dingsheng Yu
Styrene-butadiene rubber/clay nanocomposites were
prepared by two different methods and characterised by
TEM and X-ray diffraction(XRD). The TEM showed that
clay had been dispersed to one or several layers. The XRD
showed that the basal spacing in the clay was increased.
Some macromolecules were found to intercalate to the
clay layer galleries. The clay layer could be uniformly
dispersed in the rubber matrix on the nanometer level.
The mechanical tests showed that the nanocomposites had
good mechanical properties. Some properties exceeded
those of rubber reinforced with carbon black. 10 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.793637
Item 297
78, No.11, 9th Dec.2000, p.1873-8
MORPHOLOGY AND MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES OF CLAY/STYRENE-BUTADIENE
RUBBER NANOCOMPOSITES
Liqun Zhang; Yizhong Wang; Yiqing Wang; Yuan Sui;
Dingsheng Yu
Clay/SBR nanocomposites were prepared by mixing the
SBR latex with a clay/water dispersion and coagulating
the mixture. The structure of the dispersion of clay in the
SBR was studied by TEM. The mechanical properties of
the clay/SBR nanocomposites with different contents of
clay filler were studied. The results showed that the main
structure of the dispersion of clay in the SBR was a layer
bundle whose thickness was 4 to 10 nm and its aggregation
formed by several or many layer bundles. Some
mechanical properties of clay/SBR nanocomposites
exceeded those of carbon black/SBR composites and they
were better than those of clay/SBR composites produced
by directly mixing clay with SBR through regular rubber

processing methods. 6 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.793636
Item 298
12, No.10, Oct. 2000, p.2977-83
MORPHOLOGY AND CURING BEHAVIOURS
OF PHENOLIC RESIN-LAYERED SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITES PREPARED BY METAL
INTERCALATION
Choi M H; Chung I J; Lee J D
Suwon,University
The metal intercalation and curing behaviour of phenolic
resin were investigated by use of layered silicates as curing
agents. Cured phenolic resin-layered silicate
nanocomposites were prepared by the sequential process
of intercalation and curing and by the simultaneous
process of mixing and curing. 51 refs.
Dispersions of intercalated clay(VDAC-MMT) in styrene

monomer formed gels. Shear thinning behaviour of the
gels was observed via rheological measurements. PS-clay
nanocomposites were prepared by free radical
polymerisation of styrene containing dispersed
organophilic MMT. Exfoliation of MMT in PS matrix was
achieved as revealed by X-ray diffraction and TEM. The
exfoliated nanocomposites had higher dynamic modulus
and higher decomposition temp. than pure PS. 23 refs.
USA
Accession no.791290
Item 301
Kobunshi Ronbunshu
57, No.7, 2000, p.433-9
Japanese
CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF NYLON 6/
INORGANIC LAYERED SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITE FILM
Fujimoto K; Yoshikawa M; Katahira S; Yasue K
Unitika Ltd.
Details are given of the preparation of PVAL/sodium

montmorillonite nanocomposites. Data are presented for
thermal, mechanical and optical properties of pure PVAL
and the nanocomposites. 25 refs.
Crystal structure of nanocomposite films composed of

nylon 6 matrix and synthetic layered silicate as a filler (NCN
6) is analytically investigated using IR spectroscopy,
differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and X-ray
scattering/diffraction. IR spectra indicate that the silicate
layers have planar orientation, and Avrami indices obtained
from isothermal DSC measurement indicate that the
spherulites in the NCN 6 films are crystallised in a twodimensional fashion. Moreover, X-ray analysis reveals that
the fibre axis of gamma-nylon 6 crystallites is parallel to
the film surface in contrast with the pure nylon 6 crystallites,
which are randomly oriented. As a result, for the NCN 6
films it is considered that the two-dimensional spherulites
grown out of silicate layers have planar orientation parallel
to the film surface, and this model is able to interpret
qualitatively the high gas barrier of NCN 6 films. 10 refs.
USA
JAPAN
Accession no.792488
Accession no.790170
Item 300
Polymer
42, No.2, 2001, p.807-13
POLYMER-CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES:
EXFOLIATION OF ORGANOPHILIC
MONTMORILLONITE NANOLAYERS IN
POLYSTYRENE
Fu X; Qutubuddin S
Item 302
Vols.280/281, Aug.2000, p.76-9
POLYOLEFIN-CLAY HYBRIDS BASED ON
MODIFIED POLYOLEFINS AND
ORGANOPHILIC CLAY
Hasegawa N; Okamoto H; Kawasumi M; Kato M;
Tsukigase A; Usuki A
Vi n y l b e n z y l d i m e t h y l d o d e c y l a m m o n i u m
chloride(VDAC), a polymerisable cationic surfactant, was
synthesised and used for functionalisation of
montmorillonite(MMT) and preparation of exfoliated PSclay nanocomposites. Organophilic MMT was prepared
by cationic exchange between inorganic ions of MMT
and ammonium cations of VDAC in an aqueous medium.
Details are given of the preparation of polyolefin-clay

hybrids by using maleic anhydride modified polyolefins
and organophilic clay during melt blending. The silicate
layers of the clay were exfoliated and homogeneously
dispersed at the monolayers in the hybrids. 17 refs.
KOREA
Accession no.792491
Item 299
12, No.10, Oct. 2000, p.2943-9
STRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL/NA
Strawhecker K E; Manias E
JAPAN
Accession no.789222
125
Item 303
12, No.7, July 2000, p.1866-73
FLAMMABILITY PROPERTIES OF POLYMERLAYERED SILICATE NANOCOMPOSITES.
POLYPROPYLENE AND POLYSTYRENE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Gilman J W; Jackson C L; Morgan A B; Harris R;
Manias E; Giannelis E P; Wuthenow M; Hilton D;
Phillips S H
US,National Inst.of Standards & Technology;
Pennsylvania,State University; Cornell University;
US,Air Force Research Laboratory
A continuing study of the mechanism of flammability
reduction of polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites
yields results for polypropylene-graft-maleic anhydride
and polystyrene-layered-silicate nanocomposites using
montmorillonite and fluorohectorite. Cone calorimetry is
used to measure the heat release rate and other
flammability properties of the nanocomposites, under
well-controlled combustion conditions. Both the polymerlayered silicate nanocomposites and the combustion
residues are studied by transmission electron microscopy
and X-ray diffraction. Evidence is found for a common
mechanism of flammability reduction. It is also found
that the type of layered silicate, nanodispersion and
processing degradation have an influence on the
flammability reduction. 35 refs.
USA
Accession no.786801
Item 304
12, No.8, Aug.2000, p.2168-74
EFFECT OF LAYER CHARGE ON THE
INTERCALATION OF POLYETHYLENE OXIDE
IN LAYERED SILICATES. IMPLICATIONS ON
NANOCOMPOSITE POLYMER
ELECTROLYTES
Bujdak J; Hackett E; Giannelis E P
Cornell University
The effect of layer charge on the intercalation of PEO
was investigated using a series of reduced-charge
montmorillonites and smectites with varying layer charge.
Experimental data were confirmed using molecular
simulations. 36 refs.
USA
Accession no.786603
Item 305
Journal of Macromolecular Science B
B39, No.4, 2000, p.545-59
FIBRE STRUCTURE FORMATION IN HIGHSPEED MELT SPINNING OF POLYAMIDE 6/
CLAY HYBRID NANOCOMPOSITE
Giza E; Ito H; Kikutani T; Okui N
126
Tokyo,Institute of Technology
Nanocomposites of polyamide 6 containing 2 and 5 wt.%
of clay were melt spun at take-up velocities from 1 to 5
km/mm and structure formation during this high-speed
spinning investigated. The influence of clay on fibre
structure formation and of clay content, spinning
conditions and structure on the mechanical properties of
the as-spun filaments were evaluated. Investigative
techniques employed included birefringence and density
measurements, DSC, wide-angle X-ray diffraction,
measurement of fibre shrinkage after spinning and tensile
testing. The results obtained are compared with those for
polyamide 6 spun at take-up speeds of from 1 to 7 km/
min. 27 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.786359
Item 306
77, No.13, 23rd Sept.2000, p.2948-56
WATER-DISPERSIBLE NANOCOMPOSITES OF
POLYANILINE AND MONTMORILLONITE
Biswas M; Ray S S
Calcutta,Presidency College
A nanodimensional composite of polyaniline and
montmorillonite(MMT) was obtained by oxidative
polymerisation of aniline in aqueous medium in the
presence of ammonium peroxodisulphate and MMT. The
composite could be obtained as a stable dispersion in
water in the presence of a polymeric stabiliser, poly(Nvinyl pyrrolidone), under selective conditions. The bulk
conductivities of these dispersions could be increased by
increasing the loading of polyaniline on the composite
by varying amounts of aniline or oxidant in the initial
feed. 22 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.786223
Item 307
Polymer
41, No.24, 2000, p.8557-63
PROPERTY AND FORMATION MECHANISM
OF UNSATURATED POLYESTER-LAYERED
SILICATE NANOCOMPOSITE DEPENDING ON
THE FABRICATION METHODS
Suh D J; Lim Y T; Park O O
In order to study the properties and formation mechanism
of unsaturated polyester (UP)/montmorillonite (MMT)
layered nanocomposites, samples were prepared using
simultaneous mixing or sequential mixing. In sequential
mixing, a mixture of UP and organophilic-treated MMT
were prepared and then a styrene monomer was added to
the pre-intercalates of UP/MMT for various mixing times.
The structures of the nanocomposites were studied by X-
ray diffraction and TEM and the formation mechanism

by dynamic mechanical thermal analysis, solution
rheometry and melt rheometry. The formation mechanism
was discussed and the thermal rheological and dynamic
mechanical properties of the nanocomposites prepared
by the two different methods were compared. Based on
the mechanism of nanocomposite formation, the authors
were able to increase the crosslink density and degree of
dispersion in UP/MMT nanocomposites. 21 refs.
SOUTH KOREA
Accession no.784916
Item 308
Fire & Materials
24, No.2, March/April 2000, p.85-90
INVESTIGATION OF FLAME RETARDANCY IN
EVA
Camino G; Sgobbi R; Zaopo A; Colombier S; Scelza C
Torino,Universita; Pirelli Cavi e Sistemi SpA
Strategies for fire retarding EVA in electrical cable
insulation by means of halogen-free systems are explored.
Attempts to increase char yield, promoting crosslinking
of double bonds either created by deacetylation of vinyl
acetate units or by dehydrogenation of ethylene sequences
in EVA, are carried out. Pd catalysed dehydrogenation is
unsuccessful, whereas oxidative dehydrogenation seems
promising as shown by using thermally decomposing
KMnO4. On the other hand, organic peroxides fail to
increase the rate of crosslinking of deacetylated units.
Better results are obtained with the addition to EVA of an
intumescent system which is a combination of melamine
phosphate and phosphate-phosphonate substituted
trimethylamine. EVA is shown to play a substantial role
in the intumescence phenomenon. 11 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.784094
Item 309
Colloid & Polymer Science
278, No.7, July 2000, p.629-36
RHEOLOGY OF NANOCOMPOSITES BASED
ON LAYERED SILICATES AND POLYAMIDE-12
Hoffman B; Kressler J; Stoppelmann G; Friedrich C;
Kim G-M
Freiburger Materialforschungszentrum; AlbertLudwigs,University; Halle,Martin-Luther-Universitat;
EMS-Chemie AG; Eindhoven,University of
Technology
Nanocomposites based on polyamide-12 (PA-12) and
layered silicates are synthesised and analysed with respect
to their morphological and rheological properties.
Transmission electron microscopy shows the fine
dispersion of silicate layers in a PA-12 matrix. Different
swelling agents for the clay (protonated aminododecanoic
acid or water) are used. This allows the molar mass of
PA-12 to be controlled during the preparation of the

nanocomposites. When aminododecanoic acid is used as
a swelling agent, the exfoliated silicate layers are
chemically bonded to the matrix, whereas the use of water
as a swelling agent leads to exfoliated silicate layers well
dispersed in the polymer matrix without tethered polymer
chains. The rheological behaviour of the nanocomposites
differs extremely from that of the pure PA-12 matrices. A
qualitative description of the rheology of these
nanocomposites is provided. 40 refs.
NETHERLANDS; SWITZERLAND; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.784025
Item 310
Macromolecules
33, No.14,11th July 2000, p.5227-34
STABILITY OF DIBLOCK COPOLYMER/
LAYERED SILICATE NANOCOMPOSITE THIN
FILMS
Limary R; Swinnea S; Green P F
Texas,University
The stability of thin film nanocomposites on silicon
substrates, formed from mixtures of a symmetric diblock
copolymer blended with layered silicate nanocomposites,
was investigated using a combination of optical
microscopy, atomic force microscopy and X-ray diffraction.
The two cases examined were PS-b-PMMA blended with
montmorillonite modified with stoichiometric amounts of
alkylammonium surfactant chains (OLS(S)) and PS-bPMMA blended with montmorillonite modified with excess
alkylammonium (OLS(E)). While the phase behaviour of
the OLS(S)/copolymer was similar to that observed in bulk
studies, that of the OLS(E)/copolymer system was different.
It was shown that an exchange occurred between surfactant
molecules in the OLS(E) system with copolymer chains
and that the surfactant molecules formed a separate layer
on the substrate, resulting in a destabilisation of the film.
27 refs.
USA
Accession no.783251
Item 311
ACS Polymeric Materials: Science &
Engineering.Spring Meeting 2000.Volume
82.Conference proceedings.
San Francisco, Ca., 26th-30th March 2000, p.286-7
NANOCOMPOSITES BASED ON LAYERED
SILICATES AND POLYAMIDE-12
Hoffmann B; Kressler J; Stoppelmann G
Freiburg,University; Halle,Martin-Luther-Universitat;
EMS-Chemie AG
Nanocomposites were prepared by the polycondensation
of omega-aminododecanoic acid (ADA) containing a
127
variety of exfoliated or intercalated layered silicates, to

investigate the influence of swelling conditions on the
rheological and mechanical properties. The silicate
materials were prepared by swelling synthetic silicates
(using protonated ADA) or bentonite clay (using
protonated ADA or water). The mechanical properties of
the polyamide-12 (PA-12) nanocomposites were
improved, whilst maintaining the same notched impact
toughness, compared with PA-12. Enhanced dimensional
stability, barrier resistance, thermal stability and flame
resistance were also observed. The nanocomposites
exhibited complex rheological behaviour. The slopes of
the master curves of the shear storage modulus and the
loss modulus in the terminal region were considerably
lower than those of the matrix polymer, attributed to the
formation of a superstructure in the molten state. 7 refs.
Accession no.783159
Item 312
PROCESSING AND MORPHOLOGY IN
THERMOSETTING LAYERED SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Brown J M; Curliss D B; Vaia R A
US,Air Force Research Laboratory
the molecular level by covalent attachment of polyhedral

oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) were compared with
those of cured epoxy reinforced with exfoliated clay
(alkylammonium ion-exchange montmorillonite). The
glass transition temperature (Tg) of the POSS-reinforced
networks increased with increasing POSS content, whilst
the Tg of the clay system was independent of the clay
content. Both reinforcements slowed the motion of
network junctions and the small strain stress relaxation
increased compared with the un-reinforced networks. It
was concluded that to improve thermal, viscoelastic, and
mechanical properties, reinforcements at the molecular
level (POSS nanostructure) and at the microscopic level
(exfoliated or intercalated clays) should be used. 6 refs.
USA
Accession no.783134
Item 314
THERMAL AND THERMO-MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES OF PMMA NANOCOMPOSITES
Bandyopadhyay S; Giannelis E P; Hsieh A J
Cornell University; US,Army Research Laboratory
By combining new surface modifiers, low boiling point

processing aids and autoclave processing, both exfoliated
and partially exfoliated epoxies containing high loadings of
layered silicates (20 wt%) were reproducibly fabricated. The
structures were produced when a quaternary amine modified
layered silicate was combined with a primary amine cured
epoxy. With some compositions, the organic modifier served
as a compatibiliser for the monomers as well as acting as a
catalyst for the epoxy diamine cure. 10 refs.
Nanocomposites were prepared by the emulsion

polymerisation of methyl methacrylate in the presence
of sodium montmorillonite (MMT) or fluorohectorite
(FH), and characterised by X-ray diffraction, transmission
electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and
dynamic mechanical analysis at a fixed frequency of 1
Hz from room temperature to 150 C. The composites
exhibited enhanced thermal stability, storage moduli and
glass transition temperatures relative to the polymer. The
higher storage modulus in the rubbery regime of the MMT
composite compared with the FH composite was
attributed to the greater proportion of bound polymer. 29
refs.
USA
USA
Accession no.783155
Accession no.783120
Item 313
EPOXY-POSS AND EPOXY-CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES: THERMAL AND
VISCOELASTIC COMPARISONS
Lee A; Lichtenhan J D; Reinerth W A
Michigan,State University; Hybrid Plastics
Item 315
Polymer
41, No.19, 2000, p.7083-90
POLYBENZOXAZINE-MONTMORILLONITE
HYBRID NANOCOMPOSITES: SYNTHESIS AND
CHARACTERISATION
Agag T; Takeichi T
Toyohashi,University
The thermal properties, viscoelastic properties and

physical ageing of cured epoxy networks reinforced at
128
Polybenzoxazine-clay hybrid nanocomposites were

produced from a polybenzoxazine precursor and
montmorillonite surface treated with octyl, dodecyl or
stearyl ammonium chloride surfactants. The curing
behaviour of the precursor in the presence of dispersed
montmorillonite was investigated using IR spectroscopy

and DSC and dispersion of montmorillonite in the
polybenzoxazine matrix was confirmed by X-ray
diffraction. The viscoelastic and thermal properties of the
nanocomposites were determined by DMA and dynamic
TGA and the results obtained compared with those for
pristine polybenzoxazine. 68 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.781319
Item 316
38, No.12, 15th June 2000, p.1595-604
NANOSTRUCTURE AND PROPERTIES OF
POLYSILOXANE-LAYERED SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Burnside S D; Giannelis E P
New York,Bard Hall
Using polysiloxane layered silicate nanocomposites the
relationship between their nanostructure and properties
has been investigated. The nanocomposites were
synthesised, and characterised. Solvent swelling, and
bound rubber determinations were made. The crystalline
and glass transition characteristics were evaluated, as were
their viscoelastic properties. 40 refs.
USA
Accession no.780589
Item 317
Macromolecules
33, No.10, 16th May 2000, p.3739-46
LINEAR VISCOELASTICITY OF DISORDERED
POLYSTYRENE-POLYSTYRENE BLOCK
COPOLYMER BASED LAYERED-SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Ren J; Silva A S; Krishnamoorti R
Houston,University
A series of intercalated nanocomposites consisting of
polystyrene-block-polyisoprene diblock copolymers
and dimethyldioctadecylammonium-modified
montmorillonite was prepared, and the linear
viscoelastic properties determined in the melt state. The
linear dynamic oscillatory moduli and the stress
relaxation moduli were in quantitative agreement,
suggesting that the short time relaxation of the
nanocomposites was unaffected by the presence of the
silicate. At long times, or at the equivalent low
frequency, significantly different viscoelastic
behaviour was observed. The composites containing
in excess of 6.7 wt% montmorillonite exhibited pseudosolid-like behaviour. The long time behaviour was
attributed to the presence of anisotropic stacks of
silicate sheets randomly oriented, which formed a
percolated network structure which was incapable of
complete relaxation. It is proposed that this observation
was supported by the ability of large-amplitude
oscillatory shear to orient the nanocomposites and to

increase their liquid-like character. 35 refs.
USA
Accession no.778307
Item 318
76, No.12, 20th June 2000, p.1825-30
INTERCALATIVE REDOX POLYMERIZATION
AND CHARACTERIZATION OF POLY(NVINYL-2-PYRROLIDINONE) IN THE GALLERY
OF VERMICULITE: A NOVEL INORGANICORGANIC HYBRID MATERIAL
Nisha A; Rajeswari M K; Dhamodharan R
A poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone)-vermiculite hybrid
material was synthesised and characterised by various
spectroscopic techniques, X-ray diffraction(XRD) and
thermal analysis. The polymer was synthesised by
intercalative redox polymerisation of the monomer at
110C, using copper(II)-ion-exchanged vermiculite. XRD
analysis following intercalative polymerisation indicated
the presence of two prominent peaks with corresponding
d(002) spacing of 14.3 A (intercalated) and 9.9 A (not
intercalated), suggesting the formation of a partially
intercalated hybrid material. ESR studies of the
intercalated material showed values of g different from
that of the Cu(II)-ion-exchanged vermiculite, indicating
that polymer formed in the gallery of vermiculite
complexes with the unreacted Cu(II). TGA indicated the
amount of polymer in the gallery spacing to be about 20
mass %, which was confirmed by iodine labelling of the
PNVP in the nanocomposite, followed by UV
spectroscopy. The IR absorption peaks corresponding to
PNVP, together with the XRD and thermal analysis data,
confirmed that the gallery expansion was due to the
formation of a partially intercalated inorganic-organic
hybrid material. 34 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.776391
Item 319
Vol.275, Feb.2000, p.8-17
POLY(PROPYLENE)/ORGANOCLAY
NANOCOMPOSITE FORMATION: INFLUENCE
OF COMPATIBILIZER FUNCTIONALITY AND
ORGANOCLAY MODIFICATION
Reichert P; Nitz H; Klinke S; Brandsch R; Thomann R;
Muelhaupt R
Freiburger Materialforschungszentrum;
Freiburg,Institut fur Makromolekulare Chemie
PP composites containing synthetic sodium fluoromica,
modified to render it organophilic by cation exchange with
different aliphatic amines, were obtained by melt
extrusion at 210C in order to study the influence of silicate
129
modification and the addition of compatibiliser. Only

dodecyl, hexadecyl and octadecyl-modified silicates,
together with maleic anhydride-grafted PP as the
compatibiliser, promoted exfoliation and self-assembly
of individual silicate layers within the PP matrix, as shown
by TEM micrographs. 26 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.774360
Item 320
Polymer Plastics Technology and Engineering
39, No.2, 2000, p.293-303
EFFECTS OF SHEAR AND THERMAL HISTORY
ON THE MICROSTRUCTURE OF SOLUTION
POLYMERIZED POLY(METHYL
METHACRYLATE)-CLAY COMPOSITES
Tabtiang A; Lumlong S; Venables R A
Mahidol University
PMMA-clay composites were synthesised by free-radical
solution polymerisation of MMA in the presence of clay
that was pre-intercalated with dodecylammonium or
hexadecyltrimethylammonium ions. Neither the
diffraction peak from the (001) plane nor the 00l
reflections for the (001) plane were observed during Xray characterisation, showing that the clay particles were
greatly expanded (i.e. exfoliated) in the reaction products,
due to the presence of large amounts of polymer between
the clay layers. Syntheses carried out with high clay
loadings resulted in reductions in the weight- and numberaverage molec.wts. and increases in the polydispersities
of the polymers, caused by chain transfer to active sites
on the surface of the clay. It was found that heat and shear,
during subsequent processing of the reaction products,
resulted in reordering of the microstructure through
narrowing of the clay galleries with the partial exclusion
of the polymer. The final interlayer spacings were
determined by the orientation and lengths of the preintercalated alkylammonium ions. It was concluded that
the exfoliated structure created during polymerisation was
unstable under the processing conditions and,
consequently, reordered into a more stable form. 14 refs.
THAILAND
Accession no.771918
Item 321
Macromolecules
33, No.6, 21st March 2000, p.2000-4
SYNTHESIS OF POLYCARBONATE-LAYERED
SILICATE NANOCOMPOSITES VIA CYCLIC
OLIGOMERS
Xinyu Huang; Lewis S; Brittain W J; Vaia R A
Akron,University; US,Air Force Research Laboratory
A partially exfoliated bisphenol A polycarbonate
nanocomposite was prepared by using carbonate cyclic
oligomers and ditallow dimethyl exchanged
130
montmorillonite(B34). Wide-angle X-ray diffraction

indicated that exfoliation of this organically modified
layered silicate occurred after mixing with the cyclic
oligomers in a Brabender mixer for 1 h at 180C.
Subsequent ring-opening polymerisation of the cyclic
oligomers converted the matrix into linear polymer
without disruption of the layer dispersion. TEM revealed
that a partially exfoliated structure was obtained, although
no indication of layer correlation was observed in wideangle X-ray diffraction. If linear polycarbonate was
similarly treated with B34 in a Brabender mixer, only an
intercalated hybrid was obtained. Furthermore,
conventional melt or solution processing of the B34 with
either linear polycarbonate or cyclic oligomers yielded
intercalated nanocomposites with interlayer spacings of
3.27 and 3.6-3.8 nm, respectively. These results
demonstrated that consideration of molecular architecture
(cyclic versus linear) and kinetics (medium viscosity and
shear) was critical for nanocomposite formation. 37 refs.
USA
Accession no.771877
Item 322
75, No.6, 7th Feb.2000, p.796-801
SYNTHESIS, CHARACTERIZATION AND
PROPERTIES OF CLAY-POLYACRYLATE
HYBRID MATERIALS
Chen Z; Huang C; Liu S; Zhang Y; Gong K
South China,University of Technology; Zaozhuang
Normal College
Using an intercalation-polymerisation process, a novel
hybrid material derived from clay and poly(butyl acrylate)
was prepared. Using a number of analysis techniques the
structure of the composite was investigated. The hybrid
material was shown to have a decomposition central
temperature of 485.6C which is 83C higher than that of
poly(butyl acrylate). 25 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.769021
Item 323
Polymer
41, No.10, 2000, p.3887-90
SYNTHESIS AND STRUCTURE OF SMECTIC
CLAY/POLY(METHYL METHACRYLATE) AND
CLAY/POLYSTYRENE NANOCOMPOSITES VIA
IN SITU INTERCALATIVE POLYMERIZATION
Okamoto M; Morita S; Taguchi H; Kim Y H; Kotaka T;
Tateyama H
Toyota Technological Institute; Kyushu,National
Industrial Research Institute
Clay/poly(methyl methacrylate) and clay/polystyrene
nanocomposites were prepared using in-situ free radical
polymerisation with lipophilised smectic clays. The
intercalation spacing in the nanocomposites and the
degree of dispersion were investigated using X-ray

diffraction and transmission electron microscopy,
respectively. Flocculation was observed under some
conditions, attributed to hydroxylated edge-edge
interaction of silicate layers. The nanocomposites had
higher storage moduli and glass transition temperatures
compared with the pure polymers. 7 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.767832
Item 324
Whitby, Ont., c.2000, pp.2. 27 cms. 6/4/00
DARTEK T-424 NA FOR HIGH PERFORMANCE
INDUSTRIAL USES. TECHNICAL DATA
DuPont Canada Inc.
Dartek T-424NA is a clear thin uniaxially oriented film
made from nylon 6,6, and designed for use as a release
and carrier sheet. It has high shrinkage for greater wrap
tension during high temperature curing processes by
matching the shrinkage characteristics of working
compounds. Dimensions, properties and typical
applications are indicated.
CANADA
Accession no.767382
Item 325
Polymer Bulletin
43, Nos.4-5, Nov./Dec. 1999, p.395-402
THERMAL PROPERTIES AND FLAMMABILITY
OF ACRYLIC NANOCOMPOSITES BASED
UPON ORGANOPHILIC LAYERED SILICATES
Dietsche F; Mulhaupt R
Albert-Ludwigs,University
Thermal and mechanical properties of methyl
methacrylate-dodecyl methacrylate copolymer
nanocomposites based on exfoliated organophilic layered
silicates were investigated as a function of the silicate
and comonomer content. Flammability studies are
discussed. Morphological properties were examined using
TEM. 16 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.763801
Item 326
Polymer
41, No.4, 2000, p.1345-53
NOVEL SEGMENTED POLYURETHANE/CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Chen T-K; Tien Y-I; Wei K-H
Organoclays were formed by treatment of sodium
montmorillonite clay with 12 aminolauric acid or
benzidine (BZD). The exfoliation of the silicate layers in
polyurethane (PU), forming nanocomposites, was studied

using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron
microscopy. Measurement of glass transition temperature
and degree of phase separation by differential scanning
calorimetry and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy
showed that the segmented structure of the PU was not
affected by the presence of the silicate layers. The
composite containing 1% of the BZD-treated clay had a
two-fold increase in tensile strength and a three-fold
increase in elongation compared with the pure PU. Both
clays gave composites with lower water absorptions than
that of the pure PU. 27 refs.
TAIWAN
Accession no.760695
Item 327
74, No.14, 27th Dec.1999, p.3359-64
PROPERTIES OF POLYSTYRENE-CLAY
HYBRIDS
Hasegawa N; Okamoto H; Kawasumi M; Usuki A
PS-clay hybrids were prepared by melt blending a styrenevinyloxazoline copolymer with organophilic clay. In the
hybrids, the silicate layers of the clay were delaminated
and dispersed homogeneously to the nanometer level. The
moduli of the hybrids were higher that that of the PS
copolymer. The tensile modulus of the hybrid with 5 wt
% clay, for example, was 1.4 times higher that that of the
PS copolymer. 19 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.759985
Item 328
18, No.19, 1st Oct.1999, p.1539-41
ORGANIC-INORGANIC HYBRID LIGHTEMITTING COMPOSITES: POLY(PPHENYLENE VINYLENE) INTERCALATED
CLAY NANOPARTICLES
Winkler B; Dai L; Mau A W-H
CSIRO
Poly(p-phenylene vinylene) (PPV) and its derivatives
have been intensively studied since the first report on
polymeric light emitting diodes (LEDs) in 1990. Owing
to their relatively high photo/electroluminescence (PL/
EL) quantum efficiencies and good colour tunability
through molecular engineering, PPV and its derivatives
are among the most attractive materials for EL
applications. PPV derivatives substituted with
oligo(ethylene oxide) side chains (EO-PPVs) have been
prepared for use in both LEDs and light emitting
electrochemical cells (LECs). It was found that the
covalent linkages between the EO and PPV constituents
can effectively minimise the phase separation problem
131
often associated with conventional LEC devices based

on mixtures of conjugate light-emitting polymers and
polymeric ion conductors. Organic-inorganic hybrid
composites constitute a new class of materials, which
could show properties characteristic of both constituent
components with potential synergetic effects. In this
context, certain electroluminescent organic-inorganic
hybrid materials are prepared by sol-gel chemistry while
various polymers have been incorporated into clay
particles through either a solution or a melt intercalation
process. Here, the first solution intercalation of EO3-PPV
into clay nanoparticles for light-emitting applications is
reported. 30 refs.
AUSTRALIA
Accession no.757035
Item 329
Macromolecules
32, No.20, 5th Oct.1999, p.6792-9
REINFORCEMENT OF
POLY(DIMETHYLSILOXANE) ELASTOMERS
BY CHAIN-END ANCHORING TO CLAY
PARTICLES
Takeuchi H; Cohen C
Cornell University
The effects of network imperfections and precursor
chain ends on the reinforcement of PDMS networks
with clay were investigated. The end-linked PDMS
networks having a broad range of crosslinker-toprecursor ratios were produced from difunctional
hydroxyl-terminated and vinyl-terminated PDMS
precursors, which had similar MWDs, and were
crosslinked with tetrafunctional compounds, such as
tetraethyl orthosilicate. The composite PDMS
elastomers contained low concentrations of
montmorillonite nanosize clay particles. The results
indicated that reinforcement could be attributed to the
anchoring of the hydroxyl end group to the filler,
reducing the soluble fraction and binding pendent chain
ends. 22 refs.
USA
Accession no.756393
Item 330
18, No.21, 1st Nov.1999, p.1761-3
PREPARATION AND PROPERTIES OF PMMA/
CLAY NANOCOMPOSITE
Guohua Chen; Xiuqin Chen; Zhiyong Lin; Wei Ye;
Kangde Yao
Huaqiao,University; Tianjin,University
A procedure was developed for the preparation of
organoclay/PMMA hybrid in which 1 nm thick silicate
layers of montmorillonite were dispersed in the PMMA
matrix individually and homogeneously. The
nanocomposites were characterised by X-ray diffraction,
132
TEM and SEM. The barrier properties of the composites

towards trichloromethane were examined. 11 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.755865
Item 331
11, No.9, Sept.1999, p.2372-81
CLAY-POLYVINYLPYRIDINE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Fournaris K G; Karakassides M A; Petridis D;
Yiannakopoulou K
Athens,Democritos National Research Centre
Nanocomposites of montmorillonite with poly-4vinylpyridinium salts (1,2-form), the quaternised ionene
polymer (1,6-form) and poly-4-vinylpyridine (neutral
form) were synthesised and characterised. Only one
macromolecular sheet of poly-4-vinylpyridinium
polyelectrolyte or the quaternised polyelectrolyte entered
the interlayer space, regardless of the amount of
polyelectrolyte used in the intercalation. Adsorption
isotherms for the different forms of poly-4-vinylpyridine
revealed that surface saturation coverage increased in the
order partially protonated poly-4-vinylpyridine,
quaternised ionene form, completely protonated poly-4vinylpyridine. Models were proposed to explain the
different uptake of the three derivatives and the surface
selectivity towards quaternised polycations. The
electrochemical results confirmed that intercalative
polymerisation produced only the quaternised form of the
polymer and revealed that protonation of poly-4vinylpyridine occurred because of the acidity of the clay
layers. 26 refs.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION; GREECE;
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.754098
Item 332
Macromolecules
32, No.20, 5th Oct.1999, p.6718-24
CONFORMATION OF POLY(ETHYLENE
OXIDE) INTERCALATED IN CLAY AND MOS2
STUDIED BY TWO-DIMENSIONAL DOUBLEQUANTUM NMR
Harris D J; Bonagamba T J; Schmidt-Rohr K
Massachusetts,University; Sao Paulo,University
The molecular conformation of the OC-CO bonds of PEO
intercalated in hectorite and MoS2 was investigated using
double-quantum solid-state NMR spectroscopy.
Conformational statistics of the OC-CO bonds were
determined using PEO with 13% carbon 13-carbon 13
labelled units. It was found that these bonds in narrow
interlayer gaps of 0.8, 0.85 and 1.0 nm thickness exhibited
a gauche content of about 90%. 43 refs.
BRAZIL; USA
Accession no.753656
Item 333
20, No.8, Aug.1999, p.450-2
SYNTHESIS AND ELECTRORHEOLOGICAL
PROPERTIES OF POLYANILINE-NA+MONTMORILLONITE SUSPENSIONS
Kim J W; Kim S G; Choi H J; Jhon M S
Polyaniline-Na+-montmorillonite nanocomposite
particles were synthesised using an emulsion intercalation
method and electrorheological(ER) fluids were prepared
by dispersing the synthesised nanocomposite particles in
an electrically insulating silicone oil. The conducting
polymer (polyaniline) was inserted into the layers of clay
and this insertion of polyaniline was confirmed by X-ray
diffraction. ER properties were determined using a
rotational rheometer equipped with a high voltage
generator. 16 refs.
KOREA; USA
Accession no.748428
Item 334
20, No.8, Aug.1999, p.423-30
POLYOLEFIN NANOCOMPOSITES FORMED
BY MELT COMPOUNDING AND TRANSITION
METAL CATALYZED ETHENE HOMO- AND
COPOLYMERIZATION IN THE PRESENCE OF
LAYERED SILICATES
Heinemann J; Reichert P; Thomann R; Muelhaupt R
Freiburger Materialforschungszentrum; AlbertLudwigs,University
Nanocomposites of HDPE, LLDPE and highly branched
PE rubbers were prepared both by means of melt
compounding and by ethene homo- and copolymerisation
in the presence of layered silicates which were rendered
organophilic via ion exchange with various quaternary
alkyl ammonium cations. In comparison with melt
compounding, in-situ ethene homo- and
copolymerisation, catalysed by methylaluminoxaneactivated zirconocene, nickel and palladium catalysts,
proved more effective in nanocomposite formation, as
evidenced by larger interlayer spacings and formation of
exfoliated anisotropic nanosilicates with high aspect ratio.
22 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.748423
Item 335
11, No.7, July 1999, p.1942-7
THERMALLY AND MECHANICALLY
ENHANCED CLAY/POLYIMIDE
NANOCOMPOSITE VIA REACTIVE
ORGANOCLAY
Tyan H-L; Liu Y-C; Wei K-H

National Chiao Tung University
The preparation of high modulus and heat stable clay/
polyimide nanocomposites from reactive organoclay and
polyamic acid is described and the thermal, dynamic and
mechanical properties of these nanocomposites are
reported. The clay was formed by using pphenylenediamine as a swelling agent for silicate layers
of montmorillonite. Both X-ray and transmission electron
microscopy confirmed that the swelling process, which
was irreversible, gave a nanostructured material
containing intercalated nanometer silicate layers dispersed
in pyromellitic dianhydride-4,4'-oxydianiline. 24 refs.
TAIWAN
Accession no.747466
Item 336
73, No.14, 29th Sept.1999, p.2971-6
PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF
COMPOSITES FROM MONTMORILLONITE
AND SOME HETEROCYCLIC POLYMERS. II. A
NANOCOMPOSITE FROM NVINYLCARBAZOLE AND FERRIC CHLORIDEIMPREGNATED MONTMORILLONITE
POLYMERIZATION SYSTEM
Ray S S; Biswas M
Polymerisation of N-vinylcarbazole in the presence of
ferric chloride-impregnated montmorillonite was shown
to result in the formation of a poly(N-vinylcarbazole)montmorillonite composite. X-ray diffraction analysis of
the composite revealed no expansion for d001 spacing,
in sharp contrast to that for the same composite prepared
in the absence of ferric chloride. This indicated that the
polymer was not intercalated in the montmorillonite
lamellae but adhered to it in the same was as polypyrrole
in colloidal silica, zirconia or tin oxide nanocomposite
systems. TEM analysis revealed the particle size of the
composite to be in the range 30-40 nm. The DC
conductivity of the polymer-montmorillonite composite
was in the range 0.00003 to 0.00005 S/cm depending on
the ferric chloride loading of montmorillonite. 24 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.747404
Item 337
73, No.11, 12th Sept.1999, p.2063-8
ORGANOSOLUBLE MONTMORILLONITE/
POLYIMIDE HYBRID MATERIALS
Zi-Kang Zhu; Yong Yang; Jie Yin; Xin-Yu Wang; YangChuan Ke; Zong-Neng Qi
Shanghai,Jiao Tong University; Beijing,Institute of
Chemistry
133
The above materials were prepared using a monomer

solution intercalation polymerisation method.
Montmorillonite was organo-treated with p-aminobenzoic
acid and the organosoluble polyimide was based on
pyromellitic dianhydride and 4,4'-diamino-3,3'dimethyldiphenylmethane. The particle size of the
montmorillonite in the hybrid containing 1 wt % of
montmorillonite was about 400 nm. The strength and the
toughness of montmorillonite/polyimide hybrids were
improved simultaneously when the montmorillonite
content was below 5 wt %. The thermal stabilities of
montmorillonite/polyimide hybrids were markedly
improved and their thermal expansion coefficients were
reduced. When the montmorillonite content was below 5
wt %, the montmorillonite/polyimide hybrids were soluble
in strong aprotic polar organic solvents. 16 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.744929
Item 340
Polymer Bulletin
42, No.5, May 1999, p.619-26
SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION OF PSCLAY NANOCOMPOSITE BY EMULSION
POLYMERIZATION
Myoung Whan Noh; Dong Choo Lee
Inha,University
Nanocomposites of PS and Na(superscript +)montmorillonite were prepared by emulsion
polymerisation. X-Ray diffraction and IR spectroscopy
showed that the PS was inserted between the lamellar
clay layers. The enhanced thermal and mechanical
properties of the composites were attributed to the fixing
of the polymer chains between the clay layers and the
restricted segmental motions near the organic-inorganic
surfaces,together with the fine dispersion of clay particles
into the polymer matrix. 14 refs.
SOUTH KOREA
Item 338
Antec 99. Volume II. Conference proceedings.
New York City, 2nd-6th May 1999, p.1628-32. 012
POLYMERIC/CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES FOR
BIODEGRADABLE APPLICATIONS
Ratto J A; Steeves D M; Welsh E A; Powell B E
US,Army; Southern Clay
(SPE)
Details are given of the preparation of a series of
biodegradable polycaprolactone/clay nanocomposites by
in situ polymerisation and twin screw extrusion.
Characterisation was undertaken with regard to
processability, biodegradation, morphology, thermal
properties and mechanical properties. 12 refs.
USA
Accession no.744510
Item 339
18, No.9, 1st May 1999, p.711-3
MODIFICATION OF POLYETHYLENE OXIDE
WITH POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATE IN
NANOCOMPOSITES
Chen W; Xu Q; Yuan R Z
Wuhan,University of Technology
The direct melt intercalation of PEO with PMMA in lithiumexchange layered silicate was studied. The polymer-layered
silicate hybrids were analysed by X-ray diffraction and DSC
and the influence of modification of the PEO with PMMA
on polymer state and ionic transport was investigated by
magic angle spinning NMR spectroscopy. It was found that
PMMA modified the PEO chains and increased their random
arrangement, weakening the interaction between lithium ions
and polymer chains in layers. 6 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.742098
134
Accession no.741943
Item 341
73, No.3, 18th July 1999, p.425-30
MONTMORILLONITE CLAY/POLY(METHYL
METHACRYLATE) HYBRID RESIN AND ITS
BARRIER PROPERTY TO THE PLASTICIZER
WITHIN POLY(VINYL CHLORIDE)
COMPOSITE
Guohua Chen; Kangde Yao; Jingtai Zhao
Tianjin,University; Huaqiao,University;
Xiamen,University
A PMMA-clay hybrid resin was prepared via bulk
polymerisation of MMA monomer in the presence of
montmorillonite intercalated with an ammonium salt of
octadecylamine. The products were characterised by IR
spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, pyrolysis gas
chromatography and TEM. Results confirmed that the
resin was intercalated with PMMA molecules. The layer
spacing of montmorillonite was enlarged, whereas the
silicate layers were homogeneously dispersed
individually. When the PMMA-clay hybrid was blended
with plasticised PVC, the resulting composite exhibited
good barrier properties in preventing the migration of
plasticiser from the inner matrix to the surface of the
product. This was presumably caused by the barrier
property of the silicate layers dispersed in the composite.
11 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.738082
Item 342
Polymer
40, No.17, 1999, p.4877-86
ENHANCEMENT OF IMIDIZATION OF
POLY(AMIC ACID) THROUGH FORMING
POLY(AMIC ACID)/ORGANOCLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Horng-Long Tyan; Yau-Cheng Liu; Kung-Hwa-Wei
The imidisation kinetics of poly(amic acid)/
organoclay nanocomposites were studied using in-situ
FTIR spectroscopy at several temperatures. The
poly(amic acid) used consisted of pyromellitic
dianhydride and 4,4'-oxydianiline, and the organoclay
was produced by the modification of montmorillonite
with p-phenylene diamine. When a small amount of
the organoclay was dispersed in the poly(amic acid),
the imidisation temperature and imidisation time of
the poly(amic acid) could be greatly reduced. When
two parts of exfoliated silicate layers of organoclay
were dispersed in poly(amic acid), the imidisation
temperature could be lowered by 50C, to 250C, for
complete imidisation to occur. Also, when the amount
of organoclay was increased to seven parts, the
imidisation time of the poly(amic acid) at 250C could
be reduced to 15 min. Using a first-order reaction to
model the imidisation kinetics of the poly(amic acid)/
organoclay, a 20% drop in the activation energy for
imidisation of the composite containing 7 phr
organoclay was observed compared with that for the
imidisation of the neat poly(amic acid). The thermal
degradation temperature of the composite containing
7 phr organoclay was about 25C higher than that of
the neat poly(amic acid). 21 refs.
TAIWAN
Accession no.737373
Item 343
72, No.13, 24th June 1999, p.1895-903
BONDING BETWEEN EPOXIDIZED NATURAL
RUBBER AND CLAY IN PRESENCE OF SILANE
COUPLING AGENT
Manna A K; Tripathy D K; De P P; De S K; Chatterjee
M K; Peiffer D G
Indian Institute of Technology; ICI India Ltd.; Exxon
Research & Engineering Co.
Using bound rubber determination, Monsanto rheometric
studies, solvent swelling, measurement of physical
properties and IR spectroscopic studies, it was shown that
epoxidised NR and hard clay interacted chemically to
form Si-O-C bond during high-temp. (180C) moulding.
It was also observed that addition of the silane coupling
agent N-3-(N-vinyl benzyl amino)-ethyl-gammaaminopropyl trimethoxysilane monohydrogen chloride
enhanced the extent of the chemical interaction with the
formation of coupling bonds of Si-O-Si type between clay
and the coupling agent and C-N bonds between epoxidised
NR and the coupling agent. 18 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.736630
Item 344
34, No.7, 1st April 1999, p.1543-52
POLY(ACRYLAMIDE)-BENTONITE
COMPOSITE HYDROGELS
Deyu Gao; Heimann R B; Williams M C; Wardhaugh L
T; Muhammad M
Heilongjiang,Academy of Sciences;
Freiburg,University of Mining & Technology;
Alberta,University; NOVA Chemicals Ltd.; Robinson
D.B.,Research Ltd.
Dynamic and transient rheological properties were
measured for a series of hydrogel composites whose
microstructure was reported previously. The hydrogels,
which were composed of radiation-crosslinked
polyacrylamide and bentonite clay particles acting as
polymer-absorbing mechanical crosslink sites, were
prepared in the range 50-95% water. Dynamic storage
and loss moduli were obtained at several strain
amplitudes, over a range of frequency from 0.01 to 100
rad/s. Step strains produced stress peaks and decays
interpreted in terms of the stress relaxation modulus,
carried out to 10,000 s. Rheological complications with
possible slip, yielding and non-linearities were avoided
but are discussed in detail. Rubberlike rheology was
exhibited in general and the dynamic storage modulus
was found to depend exponentially on solids content, with
parameters only weakly dependent on frequency. A
practical measure of gel strength, defined in terms of the
size of a water-containing cube that was mechanically
stable, was used to demonstrate that these gels had
considerable strength, with even a 1m cube stable at 80%
water. 15 refs.
CANADA; CHINA; EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN
UNION; GERMANY; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.733321
Item 345
Macromolecular Chemistry & Physics
200, No.5, May 1999, p.955-63
NEW CATALYTIC SYSTEMS BASED ON
INTERCALATED POLYMERMONTMORILLONITE SUPPORTS
Akelah A; El-Borai M A; Abd El-Aal M F; Rehab A;
Abou-Zeid M S
Tanta,University
A composite material was prepared by ion exchange
between the ammonium salt of the alpha,omega-diamineterminated oligo(butadiene-co-acrylonitrile) and the
interlamellar cation of the montmorillonite. Grafted freeradical polymerisation of both oligo(oxyethylene)
methacrylate and chloromethylstyrene supported on the
above composite was conducted. The chloromethyl
groups were modified to produce onium salts which were
suitable as phase transfer catalysts. The catalytic activities
were investigated in nucleophilic reactions of thiocyanate,
135
cyanate and nitrite with alkyl or aryl halides. The effects

of the nature and structure of the support, amount of
catalyst, solvent and temp. on the rate of reactions were
studied. 16 refs.
EGYPT
Accession no.733196
Item 346
Polymer
40, No.15, 1999, p.4407-14
HYBRIDS OF ORGANO-SOLUBLE POLYIMIDE
AND MONTMORILLONITE WITH VARIOUS
CHEMICAL SURFACE MODIFICATION
METHODS
Yong Yang; Zi-kang Zhu; Jie Yin; Xin-yu Wang; Zongeng Qi
Shanghai,Jiao Tong University; Chinese Academy of
Sciences
Hybrids of montmorillonite(MMT) and organo-soluble
polyimide were prepared using a monomer solution
intercalation polymerisation method. The organo-soluble
polyimide was based on pyromellitic dianhydride and 4,4'diamino-3,3'-dimethyldiphenylmethane. The MMT was
organo-modified with three types of intercalation agents,
i.e. amino acids, primary aliphatic amines and quaternary
ammonium salt. The dispersion behaviour of MMT in
organic solvents and polyimide depended on the type of
functional group and the bulky group of the intercalation
agent. The MMT modified with 1-hexadecylamine was
observed to possess the best dispersion behaviour. The
properties of a MMT/polyimide hybrid were also
significantly dependent on the dispersion behaviour of
MMT particles. When the MMT was well dispersed, a
MMT/polyimide hybrid would possess desired properties
such as strengthening and toughening at the same time,
improved thermal stability, decreased thermal expansion
coefficient, retention of the solubility of the polyimide
matrix and high optical transparency. 18 refs.
with the natural mineral were applied to act as

compatibiliser. The interaction between the first part of
the compatibiliser was preferentially an ionic interaction
or an interaction between hydrogen bonds. This
interaction led to a separation of the mineral into single
sheets and/or small clusters containing 2-10 sheets and a
subsequent homogenous incorporation of these clusters
into a polymer matrix material. 15 refs.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; EUROPEAN UNION;
NETHERLANDS; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.731801
Item 348
Journal of Polymer Science : Polymer Physics Edition
37, No.8, 15th April 1999, p.847-57
OXYGEN BARRIER PROPERTIES OF
CRYSTALLIZED AND TALC-FILLED
POLY(ETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE)
Sekelik D J; Stepanov E V; Nazarenko S; Schiraldi D;
Hiltner A; Baer E
Case Western Reserve University; Hoechst Corp.
The improvement of the oxygen barrier properties of
PETP on incorporation of an impermeable phase such as
a crystalline phase or talc platelets was examined.
Crystallinity was induced by crystallisation from the
glassy state (cold crystallisation). Microlayering was used
to create talc-filled structures with controlled layer
structure. The reduction of permeability in crystallised
and talc-filled PETP was well described by Nielsens
model. Changes in permeability of crystalline PETP could
not be ascribed to the filler effect of crystallites alone.
Data on solubility, obtained from measurements of oxygen
transport coefficients, confirmed a previous finding that
the amorphous phase density of PETP decreased upon
crystallisation. The data were amenable to interpretation
by free volume theory. Talc-filled materials processed by
different methods showed the same permeability. Much
better mechanical properties were, however, achieved by
microlayering. 34 refs.
CHINA
USA
Accession no.732029
Accession no.727122
Item 347
Acta Polymerica
50, No.4, April 1999, p.122-6
NANOCOMPOSITES FROM POLYMERS AND
LAYERED MINERALS
Fischer H R; Gielgens L H; Koster T P M
TNO-TPD
Item 349
34, No.3, 1st Feb.1999, p.497-508
COMPOSITION-DEPENDENT PROPERTIES OF
PE/KAOLIN COMPOSITES. II.
THERMOELASTIC BEHAVIOUR OF BLOWMOULDED SAMPLES
Privalko V P; Balta Calleja F J; Sukhorukov D I;
Privalko E G; Walter R; Friedrich K
CSIC; Ukraine,National Academy of Sciences;
Kaiserslautern,University
Composites consisting of polymer matrix materials and

natural or synthetic layered minerals, e.g. clays, were
prepared by using special compatibilising agents between
these two intrinsically non-miscible components. Block
or graft copolymers combining one part of the polymer
that was identically and/or completely miscible with the
organic polymer and another part that was compatible
136
Blow moulded HDPE filled with kaolin were characterised

by wide-angle X-ray scattering, microhardness and
stretching calorimetry. The thermoelastic behaviour of all
samples below the apparent yield point was quantitatively

described by classic equations for elastic solids.
Thermoelastic parameters of the boundary interphase are
discussed interms of predictions of the step-by-step
averaging approach. 21 refs.
SPAIN; UKRAINE; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.726772
Item 350
71, No. 7, 14th Feb. 1999, p.1139-46
CRYSTALLISATION, PROPERTIES, AND
CRYSTAL AND NANOSCALE MORPHOLOGY
OF POLYETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE-CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Yangchuan Ke; Chenfen Long; Zongneng Qi
The crystallisation process and crystal morphology of
PETP-clay nanoscale composites prepared by
intercalation, followed by in-situ polymerisation, were
investigated by SEM, TEM, DSC and X-ray techniques,
together with mechanical methods. Results of the
nonisothermal crystallisation dynamics show that the
nanocomposites of PETP have three times greater
crystallisation rate than that of pure PETP. The thermal
properties of nanocomposites of PETP showed heat
distortion temperatures 20-50C higher than the pure PETP,
while with a clay content of 5%, the moduli of
nanocomposites of PETP were as much as 3 times that of
pure PETP. Statistical results of particle distribution show
that the average nanoscale size ranges from 10 to 100
nm. The particles are homogeneously distributed with
their size percentages in normal distribution. The
agglomeration of particles is 4% or so with some particle
sizes in the micrometer scale. The morphology of
exfoliated clay particles is in a disordered state, in which
the morphology of the PETP spherulites are not easy to
detect in most microdomains compared with pure PETP.
The molecular chains intercalated in the interlamellae of
clay are confined to some extent, which explains the
narrow MWD of nanocomposites of PETP . The stripebelt morphology of the intercalated clays show that
polymer PETP chains are intercalated into the enlarged
interlamellar space. The starting materials for
nanocomposites of PETP are termed treated clay and
PETP monomers. Data includes melting point, Tg, heat
distortion temperature, heat of fusion, decomposition
temperature and tensile modulus. 18 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.718463
Item 351
71, No. 7, 14th Feb. 1999, p.1133-8
STUDIES ON NYLON 6/CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES BY MELT-
INTERCALATION PROCESS
Liu L; Qi Z; Zhu X
Organically modifed montmorrillonite (organoclay) was
prepared by a cation exchange reaction between sodium
montmorrillonite and ocatadecylammonium salt.
Nanocomposites were prepared by mechanically mixing
organoclay and polyamide-6 in a twin screw extruder.
Extrudate was pelletised and injection moulded into test
pieces. X-ray diffraction and DSC results show that the
crystal structure and crystallisation behaviours of the
nanocomposites are different from those of polyamide-6.
Mechanical and thermal testing shows that the properties
of the nanocomposites are superior to nylon 6 in terms of
the heat distortion temperature, strength, and modulus
without sacrificing their impact strength. This is due to
the nanoscale effects and the strong interaction between
the nylon 6 matrix and the clay interface, as revealed by
X-ray diffraction, TEM and Molau testing. The Molau
tests show the strong interaction between the nylon 6
matrix and the organoclay nanoparticles. 8 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.718462
Item 352
11, No.1, Jan.1999, p.16-9
INTERCALATION OF POLYMERS IN CALCIUM
SILICATE HYDRATE: A NEW SYNTHETIC
APPROACH TO BIOCOMPOSITES?
Matsuyama H; Young J F
Illinois,University
Polymer molecules intercalated between the layers of
calcium silicate hydrate during its precipitation from
aqueous solution were shown to expand the interlayer
dimension. Alteration in the structure by changes in bulk
composition allowed polymers of different charge to be
intercalated. The polymer chains could adopt an extended
linear conformation between the layers. In the example
shown, PVAl chains lay along the a axis perpendicular to
the plane of the page, between the silicate chains of the
layer. 14 refs.
USA
Accession no.715473
Item 353
11, No.1, Jan.1999, p.3-6
DIRECT INTERCALATION OF
POLYVINYLPYRROLIDONE(PVP) INTO
KAOLINITE BY A REFINED GUEST
DISPLACEMENT METHOD
Komori Y; Sugahara Y; Kuroda K
Waseda,University
Direct intercalation of PVP into the interlayer space of
kaolinite at room temp. was achieved by a refined guest
137
displacement method by using both a kaolinite-methanol

intercalation compound and PVP dissolved in methanol.
The product could be easily separated from the polymer
solution by centrifugation. This procedure was superior
to the in situ polymerisation of monomers between the
layers from the viewpoint of the possibility of controlling
the degree of polymerisation by choosing polymers with
appropriate molec.wt. 32 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.715472
Item 354
Polymer Gels & Networks
6, Nos.3-4, 1998, p.205-15
SWELLING AND COLLAPSE OF THE GEL
COMPOSITES BASED ON NEUTRAL AND
SLIGHTLY CHARGED POLYACRYLAMIDE
GELS CONTAINING NA-MONTMORILLONITE
Churokchkina N A; Starodoubtsev S G; Khokhlov A R
Russian Academy of Sciences; Moscow,State
University
Clay-polymer hydrogel composites are prepared on the
basis of neutral and slightly charged cationic and anionic
polyacrylamide gels containing different amounts of the
clay mineral Na-montmorillonite. The swelling and
collapse in water acetone media and the mechanical
behaviour of such gels are studied. It is shown that the
clay incorporated into neutral polyacrylamide gel hardly
influences its degree of swelling in water. On the other
hand, for the anionic and especially for the cationic gels,
the swelling in the presence of clay decreases. The elastic
modulus of gels with incorporated clay is higher, while
the amplitude of the acetone-induced collapse is lower
than for the corresponding pure gel systems. 11 refs.
RUSSIA
Accession no.714136
Item 355
ACS Polymeric Materials Science and Engineering.
Fall Meeting 1998. Volume 79. Conference
proceedings.
Boston, Mas., 23rd-27th Aug.1998, p.178-9. 012
MICROMECHANICAL DEFORMATION
PROCESSES IN PA12-LAYERED SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITE
Kim G-M; Michler G H; Reichert P; Kressler J;
Mulhaupt R
Halle,Martin-Luther-Universitat; AlbertLudwigs,University
As the use of polymers in structural applications increases,
a new class of polymeric materials with a unique
combination of high strength, modulus and toughness is
being demanded. Hybrid organic-inorganic composites
have been considered as a attractive representative. It has
been found that by incorporating a very small amount of
inorganic components (only a few wt.%) in the polymer
138
matrix on a nanometer scale, unexpected mechanical

properties can be synergistically achieved. Frequently
used inorganic filler particles are platy clay mineral
particles consisting of layered silicates in a range of 1100 nm in length and several nm in thickness (very large
aspect ratio). Although a considerable development of
synthetic approaches in polymer nanocomposites has been
performed in the last few years, the appropriate
mechanisms responsible for the improvement of
mechanical properties in this subject are still not
presented. The influence of the morphology of dispersed
silicate layers in nylon 12 on the micromechanical
deformation processes is investigated by high voltage
electron microscopy using an in situ tensile technique. 3
refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.712649
Item 356
10, No.12, Dec.1998, p.3769-71
NANOLAYER REINFORCEMENT OF
ELASTOMERIC POLYURETHANE
Zhen Wang; Pinnavaia T J
A thermoset PU-clay nanocomposite was prepared by
curing a PU network in the presence of alkylammoniumexchanged forms of montmorillonite. Unusual stressstrain behaviour was observed for the elastomeric
nanocomposites. The reinforcement effects of the silicate
nanolayers not only significantly improved the tensile
properties of the matrix but the strain-at-break also
increased with increasing clay loading. Nanocomposite
formation thus both strengthened and toughened the
elastomeric matrix in comparison with the pristine
polymer. 17 refs.
USA
Accession no.710872
Item 357
Polymer Bulletin
41, No.5, Nov.1998, p.511-8
POLYSTYRENE-ORGANOAMMONIUM
MONTMORILLONITE HYBRID
Jae Goo Doh; Iwhan Cho
Styrene monomer was mixed with quaternary ammonium
montmorillonites(org-MMTs) and polymerised in the
presence of radical initiator. The resulting materials
showed an expansion of interlayer distance. These hybrid
materials exhibited higher thermal stability compared with
the virgin PS or PS/pristine-MMT microcomposite. PS/
Bz-MMT, containing a benzyl unit similar to styrene in
org-MMT, exhibited higher decomposition temp. even for
KOREA
study the structure and dynamics of polymers in confined

environments. Using both delaminated and intercalated
hybrids, the statics and dynamics of polymers confined
over distances ranging from the radius of gyration of
the polymer to the statistical segment length of the chains
can be studied. 12 refs.
Accession no.706463
USA
MMT loading as low as 0.3 wt % compared with other

PS/org-MMT hybrids. It was found that the structural
affinity between styrene monomer and the organic group
of org-MMT played an important role in the structure and
the properties of hybrid materials. 17 refs.
Item 358
Kobunshi Ronbunshu
55, No.8, 1998, p.477-82
Japanese
STUDIES ON PRODUCTION OF
NANOCOMPOSITES OF POLYAMIDE 6 WITH
EXPANDABLE SYNTHETIC MICA. IV.
DISPERSION OF INTERCALATION
COMPOUNDS OF SYNTHETIC MICA WITH
EPSILON-CAPROLACTAM INTO POLYAMIDE 6
Katahira S; Yasue K; Inagaki M
Hokkaido,University; Unitika R & D Center
Intercalation compounds of synthetic mica(MIC) with
epsilon-caprolactam(epsilon-CL) were mixed in epsilonCL. This mixture was polymerised to polyamide-6,
resulting in nanocomposites of polyamide-6 with highly
dispersed mica. The mechanism of production of the
nanocomposite was considered to proceed in three steps
on the bases of the present and previous studies. In the
first step, epsilon-CL was protonated by acid or under
high pressure, and then MIC was formed by exchanging
epsilon-CL+ ions with Na+ ions in the gallery of mica
layers in the second step. At the third step, epsilon-CL
was polymerised above 260C and polyamide-6 in the
gallery of mica caused cleavage of mica into thin flakes.
5 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.699126
Item 359
Applied Organometallic Chemistry
12, Nos.10-11, Oct/Nov.1998, p.675-80
NANOCOMPOSITES: SYNTHESIS,
PROPERTIES AND APPLICATIONS
Giannelis E P
Cornell University
Polymer nanocomposites, especially polymer-layered
silicate (PLS) nanocomposites, represent a radical
alternative to conventionally (macroscopic) filled
polymers. Because of their nanometer-size dispersion,
the nanocomposites exhibit markedly improved
properties when compared with the pure polymers or
conventional composites. These include increased
modulus and strength, decreased gas permeability,
increased solvent and heat resistance and decreased
flammability. In addition to their potential applications,
PLS nanocomposites are also unique model systems to
Accession no.697961
Item 360
38, No.8, Aug.1998, p.1351-8
MONTMORILLONITE AND UNSATURATED
POLYESTER
Kornmann X; Berglund L A; Sterte J; Giannelis E P
Lulea,University of Technology; Cornell University
The possibility of synthesising materials with
nanocomposite structure based on montmorillonite and
unsaturated polyester was studied. The effect of
montmorillonite content on mechanical properties was
investigated. X-ray and TEM data supported the formation
of a partly delaminated nanocomposite material.
Montmorillonite was derived from bentonite, purified,
activated by sodium ions and mixed with reactive
unsaturated polyester. 27 refs.
SCANDINAVIA; SWEDEN; USA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.697284
Item 361
Polymer
39, No.25, 1998, p.6423-8
PREPARATION AND EVALUATION OF
COMPOSITES FROM MONTMORILLONITE
AND SOME HETEROCYCLIC POLYMERS. I:
POLY(N-VINYLCARBAZOLE)MONTMORILLONITE NANOCOMPOSITE
SYSTEM
Biswas M; Ray S S
Polyvinylcarbazole (PNVC) was prepared from Nvinylcarbazole heated above its melting point (64C) by
direct initiation using montmorillonite, and by solution
polymerisation with montmorillonite in benzene at 50C.
The PNVC was intercalated in the montmorillonite layers.
The prepared nanocomposite was characterised by infrared and X-ray spectroscopy, transmission electron
microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis and electrical
conductivity measurements. The particle size was
approximately 33 nanometres. The thermal stability of
the composite was superior to that of PNVC, and its
electrical conductivity was 10000000000 times greater
than that of pure PNVC. 21 refs.
INDIA
Accession no.694469
139
Item 362
Polymer Bulletin
41, No.1, July1998, p.107-13
MORPHOLOGY OF POLYMER/SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITES. HIGH DENSITY
POLYETHYLENE AND A NITRILE
COPOLYMER
Jeon H G; Jung H-T; Lee S W; Hudson S D
A sodium montmorillonite clay was intercalated to render
it organophilic, and then solution blended with either high
density polyethylene (HDPE) or a nitrile copolymer, to
give nanoscale composites. Investigation by X-ray
diffraction and transmission electron microscopy showed
the silicate layers to be present in thin stacks, finely
dispersed in the polymer matrix. Greater dispersion was
observed in the nitrile copolymer, indicating a different
degree of physical interaction with the clay. Lamellar
crystals of HDPE formed parallel to the silicate layers.
13 refs.
USA
Accession no.694370
Item 363
69, No.8, 22nd Aug. 1998, p.1557-61
SYNTHESES AND PROPERTIES OF SILICONE
RUBBER/ORGANOMONTMORILLONITE
HYBRID NANOCOMPOSITES.
Shengjie Wang; Chengfen Long; Xinyu Wang; Qiang
Li; Zongneng Qi
Chinese Academy of Sciences
Silicone rubber/organomontmorillonite hybrid
nanocomposites were prepared using a melt-intercalation
process, and characterised by x-ray diffraction,
transmission electron microscopy and thermogravimetric
analysis. The organomontmorillonite particles exfoliated
to a thickness of approximately 50 nm, and were
uniformly dispersed within the silicone rubber matrix. The
mechanical properties and thermal stability of the
prepared materials were very close to those of aerosilicafilled silicone rubber. 10 refs.
CHINA
Accession no.693602
Item 364
10, No.7, July 1998, p.1820-6
HYBRID ORGANIC-INORGANIC
NANOCOMPOSITES: EXFOLIATION OF
MAGADIITE NANOLAYERS IN AN
ELASTOMERIC EPOXY POLYMER
Wang Z; Pinnavaia T J
Organomagadiite intercalates were used to form
elastomeric polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites in
140
in-situ polymerisation during the thermoset process.

Exfoliated structures were observed in the rubbery epoxy
matrix. Tensile properties were examined. 35 refs.
USA
Accession no.692017
Item 365
10, No.5, May 1998, p.1440-5
IN SITU SYNTHESIS OF POLYMER-CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES FROM SILICATE GELS
Carrado K A; Langqiu Xu
Argonne National Laboratory
Polymer-containing silicate gels were hydrothermally
crystallised to form layered magnesium silicate hectorite
clays containing polymers that were incorporated in situ.
Gels consisted of silica sol, magnesium hydroxide sol,
lithium fluoride and a polymer, e.g. polyvinyl pyrrolidone,
hydroxypropylmethylcellulose,
PAN,
polydimethyldiallylammonium chloride and polyaniline.
26 refs.
USA
Accession no.682893
Item 366
68, No.12, 20th June 1998, p.1997-2005
CHARACTERISATION OF EPOXY-CLAY
HYBRID COMPOSITE PREPARED BY
EMULSION POLYMERISATION
Lee D C; Jang L W
Inha,University
Details are given of the direct intercalation of an epoxy
resin in the interlayer of sodium ion-montmorillonite by
a step type of polymerisation in an aqueous emulsion
media. The synthesis and results of structural and thermal
characterisations for this hybrid composite are described.
12 refs.
KOREA
Accession no.681400
Item 367
Polymer
39, No.12, 1998, p.2651-6
STRUCTURE DETERMINATION OF CLAY/
METHYL METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER
INTERLAYER COMPLEXES BY MEANS OF
CARBON-13 SOLID STATE N.M.R
Forte C; Geppi M; Giamberini S; Ruggieri G; Veracini
C A; Mendez B
CNR; Pisa,University; Venezuela,Universidad Central
Solid state carbon-13 NMR techniques were used to study
the interlayer complexes of several methyl methacrylate
(MMA)/2-(N-methyl-N,N-diethylammonium iodide)ethyl
acrylate (MDEA) copolymers with bentonite and hectorite
smectite clays, synthesised by two different procedures.

One was copolymerised within the clay previously
functionalised with MDEA and the other was the direct
interaction of the preformed MMA/MDEA copolymers
with clay swollen in a water/acetonitrile mixture.
Information on structure and copolymer dynamics in the
inorganic layers, obtained from NMR spectra and relaxation
time measurements, together with the interlayer spacings
measured by X-ray diffraction and glass transition
temperatures obtained by DSC, enabled the authors to
determine the structural differences between the various
complexes. These differences were correlated with the
synthetic methods and the copolymer composition. 14 refs.
VENEZUELA; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.680092
Item 368
Kobunshi Ronbunshu
55, No.2, 1998, p.90-5
Japanese
HIGH DISPERSION OF SYNTHETIC MICA IN
POLYAMIDE 6 MATRIX THROUGH
HYDROLYSIS OF CAPROLACTAM WITH ACID
Katahira S; Kojima K; Tamura T; Yasue K
Hokkaido,University
Polyamide 6 nanocomposites with mica were successfully
prepared from expandable synthetic mica and caprolactam
by accelerating hydrolysis, intercalation and
polymerisation of caprolactam with acids. Caprolactam
molecules protonated by acid were intercalated between
the silicate layers of mica and then polymerised between
the layers, which resulted in the cleavage and high
dispersion of layers. Bending strength and modulus of
the nanocomposites were high and comparable with those
of nanocomposites prepared under pressure. 3 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.676309
Item 369
Kobunshi Ronbunshu
55, No.2, 1998, p.83-9
Japanese
HIGH DISPERSION OF SYNTHETIC MICA IN
POLYAMIDE 6 MATRIX THROUGH
HYDROLYSIS OF CAPROLACTAM UNDER
HIGH PRESSURE
Katahira S; Tamura T; Yasue K
Hokkaido,University
Nanocomposites with highly dispersed mica layers in a
polyamide 6 matrix were prepared by hydrolysis and
polymerisation of caprolactam under high pressure and
in the presence of expandable mica. Silicate layers of the
starting mica were cleaved and highly dispersed into the
nylon 6 matrix, and high bending strength and modulus
were obtained for the nanocomposites as a result of
cleaved thin layers with a high aspect ratio and the high
dispersion. 11 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.676308
Item 370
Acta Polymerica
49, Nos.2-3, Feb./Mar.1998, p.116-23
NANOCOMPOSITES BASED ON A SYNTHETIC
LAYER SILICATE AND POLYAMIDE-12
Reichert P; Kressler J; Thomann R; Muelhaupt R;
Stoeppelmann G
Albert-Ludwigs,University; EMS Chemie AG
Nanocomposites based on a synthetic layer silicate and
polyamide-12 were prepared and characterised. Emphasis
was placed on the characterisation of the swelling behaviour
of the layer silicate in 12-aminolauric acid(ALA), which
was studied by wide-angle X-ray scattering(WAXS)
measurements. Composites and nanocomposites were then
prepared using the layer silicate prior to and after swelling
with ALA, respectively. These materials were characterised
by TEM, atomic force microscopy, WAXS and mechanical
measurements. 29 refs.
Accession no.672040
Item 371
36, No.4, March 1998, p.673-9
INORGANIC/ORGANIC HOST-GUEST
MATERIALS: SURFACE AND INTERCLAY
REACTIONS OF STYRENE WITH COPPER(II)EXCHANGED HECTORITE
Porter T L; Hagerman M E; Reynolds B P; Eastman M
P; Parnell R A
Northern Arizona,University; New York,Union College
Schenectady
The in-situ polymerisation of styrene in Cu(II)exchanged hectorite thin films was investigated.
Scanning force microscopy(SFM) images of the polymer
surface revealed that the surface PS was generally
aggregated into groups of elongated strands. SFM
imaging of the interclay regions, in conjunction with
X-ray diffraction(XRD) and ESR data, indicated that
approximately 20-30% of these regions contained PS,
with minimal reduction in the majority of Cu2+ sites
observed. XRD data showed little or no intercalation of
the monomer into the true intergallery regions. Instead,
the polymer probably formed in intercrystallite or planar
defect regions. In addition, two distinct phases of
polymeric material were found within these defect
regions, a highly polymerised PS and a PS form
exhibiting greater material stiffness. 28 refs.
USA
Accession no.672019
141
Item 372
67, No.1, 3rd Jan.1998, p.87-92
HYBRIDS USING A MALEIC ANHYDRIDEMODIFIED POLYPROPYLENE OLIGOMER
Hasegawa N; Kawasumi M; Kato M; Usuki A; Okada A
PP-clay hybrids(PPCHs) were prepared using a maleic
anhydride-modified PP(PP-MA) oligomer as a
compatibiliser. PP was melt-blended with organophilic
clay which was intercalated with PP-MA. In these PPCHs,
the particles of silicate layers were dispersed at the
nanometer level. The particles became smaller and were
dispersed more uniformly, as the ratio of PP-MA to the
clay was increased. The dynamic storage moduli of the
PPCHs were higher than that of PP up to 130C. The
modulus of the PPCH with 5 wt % clay and 22 wt % PPMA, for example, was 1.8 times higher than that of PP at
80C. As the dispersibility of the clays was improved, the
reinforcement effect of the clays increased. 13 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.664533
Item 373
66, No.10, 5th Dec.1997, p.143-52
SWELLING AND STATIC-DYNAMIC
MECHANICAL BEHAVIOUR OF MICAREINFORCED LINEAR ANS STAR-BRANCHED
BR COMPOSITES
Nugay N; Kusefoglu S; Erman B
Bogazici,University
Physical properties of mica-reinforced linear and starbranched BR composites were studied with emphasis
given to the effect of silane coupling agent, degree of
crosslinking, and degree of mica loading as well as the
molecular structure of the BR. The effect of mica on
tensile properties and swelling are discussed. 36 refs.
TURKEY
Accession no.660725
silicate layers of the clays in the hybrids was investigated

by TEM and X-ray diffraction. It was found that there
were two important factors in achieving exfoliated and
homogeneous dispersion of the layers in the hybrids, i.e.
the intercalation capability of the oligomers in the layers
and the miscibility of the oligomers with PP. Almost
complete hybrids were obtained in the case where the
PP-MA had both intercalation capability and miscibility.
The hybrids exhibited higher storage moduli compared
with those of PP, especially in the temp. range from Tg to
90C. The highest relative storage modulus at 80C of the
hybrid based on a mica and the miscible PP-MA was as
high as 2.0 to that of PP and was 2.4 to that of the PP/PPMA mixture, which was considered to be the matrix of
the PPCH. The effects of the types of clay and oligomers
on the dynamic moduli are discussed. 13 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.658751
Item 375
66, No.3, 17th Oct.1997, p.573-81
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL-CLAY AND
POLYETHYLENE OXIDE-CLAY BLENDS
PREPARED USING WATER AS SOLVENT
Ogata N; Kawakage S; Ogihara T
Fukui,University
Montmorillonite(MON) was solvent-cast blended with
PVAl and PEO using water as cosolvent. The structure
and properties of the blend films were investigated. Using
small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering measurements of
the blends, the silicate layers of MON were found to be
well dispersed individually in the PVAl-MON blends,
while the silicate layers in PEO-MON blends were found
to exist in the form of a large clay tactoid. It was also
found, for both blends, that the silicate layers were parallel
to the film surface of the blends and that preferred
orientation of polymer crystallites was induced by the
presence of MON. The effects of the MON content on
the thermal behaviour of the PVAl- and PEO-MON blends
were studied using DSC. The influence of geometry of
the silicate layers on dynamic behaviour of the blends
was also studied. 14 refs.
JAPAN
Item 374
Macromolecules
30, No.20, 6th Oct.1997, p.6333-8
HYBRIDS
Kawasumi M; Hasegawa N; Kato M; Usuki A; Okada A
PP-clay hybrids(PPCH) were prepared by simple meltmixing of three components, i.e. PP, maleic anhydridemodified PP oligomers(PP-MA) and clays intercalated
with stearylammonium. The dispersibility of 10A thick
142
Accession no.656133
Item 376
Vol.119, July 1997, p.149-55
MECHANICAL SPECTROSCOPY STUDY ON
BIODEGRADABLE SYNTHETIC AND
BIOSYNTHETIC ALIPHATIC POLYESTERS
Choi H J; Kim J H; Jinho Kim
Inha,University
Miscibility behaviour and rheological properties with
mechanical spectroscopy study of both poly(3-
hydroxybutyrate)/poly(ethylene oxide) and biodegradable

synthetic aliphatic polyester/LLDPE were investigated.
Rotational rheometers were used to measure the shear
viscosity as a function of the shear rate and the oscillating
shear flow properties. Dynamic mechanical thermal
analysis and DSC were used to measure the thermal
properties of the blend systems. 14 refs.
SOUTH KOREA
Accession no.653729
Item 377
Journal of Polymer Science : Polymer Chemistry
Edition
35, No.11, Aug.1997, p.2289-94
POLYIMIDE-CLAY HYBRID FILMS
Yano K; Usuki A; Okada A
Polyimide-clay hybrid films with four different sizes of
clay minerals were synthesised to investigate the effect
of the size of clay minerals to the properties of the hybrids.
Hectorite, saponite, montmorillonite, and synthetic mica
were used as clay minerals. Analysis of the hybrid and
other properties are described. 10 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.653317
Item 378
Macromolecules
30, No.14, 14th June 1997, p.4097-102
RHEOLOGY OF END-TETHERED POLYMER
Krishnamoorti R; Giannelis E P
Cornell University
The rheology of end-tethered polymer layered silicate
nanocomposites was investigated using linear viscoelastic
measurements in oscillatory shear with small strain
amplitudes. Two systems consisting of poly(epsiloncaprolactone) and nylon-6 with varying amounts of
layered silicate (montmorillonite) were examined.
Comparisons were drawn with rheology of other
intrinsically anisotropic materials, and an attempt was
made to explain penomenologically their rich-rheological
behaviour. 25 refs.
USA
Accession no.653260
Item 379
Patent Number: US 5567758 A 19961022
THERMOPLASTIC POLYESTER RESIN
COMPOSITION
Kinami N; Okamoto M; Shinoda Y; Sekura T;
Yamaguchi A
Tokyo Boseki KK; Co-Op Chemical Co.Ltd.
Compositions are described comprising thermoplastic
polyester resins comprising polyester molecules ending
in terminal groups, where all or part of the terminal groups

are represented by formula -R-SO3L, where R is a divalent
aliphatic hydrocarbon having 1-20 carbon atoms and L is
an alkali metal; an inorganic compound mixture, which
comprises one or more compounds selected from:
inorganic compounds consisting of M, Mg, Si, O and F
and inorganic compounds consisting of M, Mg and F,
where M is an alkali metal. The energy of the composition
satisfies the following: U is less than or equal to 1,300
(cal/mole), and sigma times sigmae is less than 280000
cal squared/m power 4, where U is the activation energy,
sigma is a lateral surface energy and sigmae is a fold
surface energy.
JAPAN
Accession no.642613
Item 380
64, No.11, 13th June 1997, p.2211-20
STRUCTURE AND THERMAL/MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES OF POLY(EPSILONCAPROLACTONE)(PCL)-CLAY BLEND
Jimenez G; Ogata N; Kawai H; Ogihara T
Fukui,University
Montmorillonite was organically modified with
distearyldimethylammonium chloride. This organically
modified clay(OMON) and PCL were solvent-cast
blended with chloroform and the structure and properties
of the resulting PCL-clay blends were investigated. It was
found that a small amount of OMON in the blend
accelerated the crystallisation of PCL, whereas a large
amount of the organophilic clay delayed it. It was shown
that the silicate layers forming the clay could not be
dispersed individually in the PCL blends, i.e. the clay
seemed to exist as the tactoids consisting of some silicate
layers. These tactoids formed a remarkable geometric
structure, their surface planes lying almost parallel to the
blend film surface. Furthermore, the tactoids were stacked
with insertion of PCL lamellae in the film-thickness
direction. Preferred orientation of the PCL crystallites was
induced by the presence of the clay. 18 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.640105
Item 381
Patent Number: US 5530052 A 19960625
LAYERED MINERALS AND COMPOSITIONS
COMPRISING THE SAME
Takekoshi T; Khouri F F; Campbell J R; Jordan T C;
Dai K H
General Electric Co.
Silicate minerals which have undergone a cation exchange
with at least one heteroaromatic cation comprising a
positively charged organo-substituted heteroatom and/or
at least one positively charged heteroatom not part of an
aromatic ring with at least one bond having a bond order
143
greater than one and compositions comprising the same

are described.
USA
Accession no.625416
Item 382
Macromolecules
29, No. 24, 18th Nov. 1996, p.7910-8
RHEOLOGY OF CONFINED POLYMER MELTS
Khare R; de Pablo J J; Yethiraj A
Wisconsin-Madison,University
The behaviour of confined polymer melts in shear flow
is investigated using molecular dynamics simulations.
Polymer molecules are modelled as bead-spring chains
that interact via repulsive site-site potentials. The fluid is
contained between atomistic walls and shear is imparted
by moving the walls in opposite directions to simulate
planar couette flow. Experimental conditions are
simulated by maintaining the walls at a constant
temperature. The density, velocity, and temperature
profiles during shear flow are monitored and compared
to those of simple liquids under similar conditions. For
the shear rates investigated, polymeric fluids exhibit a
much stronger tendency for slip at the wall-fluid interface
than simple fluids. The magnitude of slip increases with
increasing shear rate. For short chains the magnitude of
slip increases with increasing chain length, but appears
to reach an asymptotic value at approximately the
entanglement length. The viscosity increases as the film
thickness is decreased, in qualitative agreement with
surface forces apparatus experiments. The chains stretch
and align in the flow direction when sheared. 27 refs.
USA
Accession no.622393
Item 383
35, No.2, 30th Jan.1997, p.389-96
STRUCTURE AND THERMAL/MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES OF POLY(L-LACTIDE)
Ogata N; Jiminez G; Kawai H; Ogihara T
Fukui,University
Organophilic montmorillonite was obtained by the reaction
of montmorillonite and distearyl-dimethylammonium
chloride. The modified clay and poly(L-lactide) were
solvent cast blended using chloroform as cosolvent. The
structure and mechanical properties of the PLLA-clay
blends were investigated. 24 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.622359
Item 384
35, No.1, 15th Jan.1997, p.59-67
RELAXATIONS OF CONFINED CHAINS IN
144
POLYMER NANOCOMPOSITES: GLASS

TRANSITION PROPERTIES OF
POLYETHYLENE OXIDE INTERCALATED IN
MONTMORILLONITE
Vaia R A; Sauer B B; Tse O K; Giannelis E P
Cornell University; Du Pont de Nemours E.I.,& Co.Inc.
The relaxation behaviour of PEO, intercalated in
montmorillonite, was studied by DSC and thermally
stimulated dielectric depolarisation (or thermally
stimulated current, TSC). The materials were synthesised
by melt or solution-mediated intercalation. In both
intercalates, the PEO chains were confined to about 0.8
nm galleries between the silicate layers. The solution
intercalate contained a fraction of unintercalated PEO
chains which exhibited a weak and depressed PEO
melting endotherm in DSC. In contrast, the melt
intercalate was starved so that almost all the PEO chains
were effectively intercalated. For these melt intercalates,
no thermal events were detected by DSC. TSC thermal
sampling was used to examine the Tg regions and to
estimate the extent of cooperativity of chain motions. The
motions of the intercalated PEO chains were inherently
non-cooperative relative to the cooperative Tg motions
in the amorphous portion of the bulk polymer. This was
presumably due to the strong confining effect of the
silicate layers on the relaxations of the intercalated
polymer. 32 refs.
USA
Accession no.621249
Item 385
63, No.1, 3rd Jan.1997, p.137-9
SYNTHESIS OF POLYPROPYLENE-CLAY
HYBRID
Usuki A; Kato M; Okada A; Kurauchi T
Results are presented of an investigation of the possibility
of insertion of PP into the clay gallery using clays
modified with non-polar organic molecules. The
organophilic clay used was obtained by a cation-exchange
reaction between sodium montmorillonite and the
distearyldimethylammonium ion. 11 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.618382
Item 386
8, No.8, Aug.1996, p.1728-34
STRUCTURE AND DYNAMICS OF POLYMERLAYERED SILICATE NANOCOMPOSITES
Krishnamoorti R; Vaia R A; Giannelis E P
Cornell University
The static and dynamic properties of polymer-layered
silicate nanocomposites are discussed in the context of
polymers in confined media. Characterisation was

undertaken by TEM, kinetic measurements of meltintercalation, NMR, DSC, and rheological dynamics. Data
are given for PS, PEO, siloxane copolymers and nylon 6.
33 refs.
USA
Accession no.603764
Item 387
8, No.8, Aug.1996, p.1597-9
CONDUCTIVITY ANISOTROPY OF
POLYPHOSPHAZENE-MONTMORILLONITE
COMPOSITE ELECTROLYTES
Hutchison J C; Bissessur R; Shriver D F
Illinois,Northwestern University
The role of the intercalating polymer in long-range ion
transport was examined for a polybismethoxyethoxyethoxyphosphazene-sodium montmorillonite
composite by an analysis of the temperature-dependent
conductivity. The methodology and results of conductivity
anisotropy measurements are discussed. 27 refs.
USA
Accession no.603759
Item 388
8, No.8, Aug.1996, p.1584-7
INTERFACIAL EFFECTS ON THE
REINFORCEMENT PROPERTIES OF
POLYMER-ORGANOCLAY NANOCOMPOSITES
Shi H; Lan T; Pinnavaia T J
Details are given of the preparation of epoxy resin-clay
composites using polyetheramine as curing agent to form
a matrix with a subambient Tg. Tensile properties were
examined. 12 refs.
USA
Accession no.603758
Item 389
61, No.7, 15th Aug.1996, p.1117-22
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERISATION OF
PMMA-CLAY HYBRID COMPOSITE BY
EMULSION POLYMERISATION
Dong Choo Lee; Lee Wook Jang
Inha,University
Nanocomposites were prepared by a simple technique
involving emulsion polymerisation using methyl
methacrylate monomer and Na+-montmorillonite. The
products were purified by hot toluene extraction and
characterised by FTIR, X-ray diffraction, TGA, DSC and
tensile testing. A structural investigation confirmed that
the products were intercalated with PMMA chain
molecules oriented parallel to the direction of lamellar

layers whose separation was consequently more enlarged
than in the polymer-free clay. DSC traces also confirmed
the confinement of the polymer in the inorganic layer by
exhibiting no observable transition in the thermogram.
Both the thermal stability and tensile properties of the
products appeared to be markedly enhanced. The iondipole bonding was thought to be the driving force for
the introduction and fixation of the organic polymer onto
the interfaces of montmorillonite. 9 refs.
SOUTH KOREA
Accession no.600813
Item 390
31, No.13, 1st July 1996, p.3589-96
POLYMER-CLAY NANOCOMPOSITES: FREERADICAL GRAFTING OF PS ON TO
ORGANOPHILIC MONTMORILLONITE
INTERLAYERS
Akelah A; Moet A
Tanta,University; Case Western Reserve University
Vinyl monomer-montmorillonite intercalates were
prepared by a cation exchange process and were grafted
with PS. The effect of montmorillonite amounts on the
formed PS was determined. Characterisation was
undertaken by X-ray diffraction, elemental analysis, and
IR spectroscopy. 36 refs.
EGYPT; USA
Accession no.598978
Item 391
15, No.13, 1st July 1996, p.1178-9
SYNTHESIS AND CRYSTALLISATION
BEHAVIOUR OF AN INTERCALATED
COMPOUND OF PETP AND MICA
Okamoto M; Shinoda Y; Okuyama T; Yamaguchi A;
Sekura T
Toyobo Co.Ltd.; CO-OP Chemical Co.Ltd.
Details are given of a PETP-mica compound synthesised
by intercalation of ethylene glycol molecules to
expandable fluorine mica. The crystallisation behaviour
is discussed. 9 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.598945
Item 392
31, No.12, 15th June 1996, p.3123-7
NOVEL POLYACRYLATE-CLAY SOL-GEL
MATERIALS
Seckin T; Onal Y; Aksoy I; Yakinci M E
Inonu,University
145
The synthesis of polyacrylate clay composites is described

in which trialkyloxy silyl functional groups were
hydrolysed and co-condensed to give a molecular
composite of clay with polymer. A novel material was
developed which was proved to be able to overcome most
of the described problems. Free-radical polymerisation
of trialkoxy silyl end-capped acrylate with ultrasound in
the presence of an inert gas was carried out to yield
polymers which have clay contents of 10, 50, 100
mol%wt/wt, respectively. Hydrolysis and co-condensation
in the presence of an acid catalyst gave composites in
which polymers were covalently bonded. The extent of
the reaction leading to network formation was
qualitatively followed by FTIR, and X-ray diffraction
revealed that the silicate layers of the composite were
uniformly dispersed. 15 refs.
TURKEY
Accession no.595667
Item 393
Advanced Materials
8, No.1, Jan.1996, p.29-35
POLYMER LAYERED SILICATE
NANOCOMPOSITES
Giannelis E P
Cornell University
Polymer nanocomposites with layered silicates as the
inorganic phase (reinforcement) are discussed. Particular
attention is paid to nanocomposites produced by polymer
melt intercalation, a versatile and environmentally benign
synthetic approach. Such nanocomposites are shown to
exhibit significantly improved stiffness, strength and
thermal properties compared with their more conventional
counterparts. Miscibility issues and the kinetics of
polymer intercalation are also considered. 27 refs.
USA
Accession no.580156
Item 394
Macromolecules
28, No.24, 20th Nov.1995, p.8080-5
KINETICS OF POLYMER MELT
INTERCALATION
Vaia R A; Jandt K D; Kramer E J; Giannelis E P
Cornell University
The kinetics of PS melt intercalation in organically
modified mica-type silicates were studied using X-ray
diffraction and TEM. By monitoring the change in the
integrated intensity of the basal reflection of the silicate
host, the rate of conversion from unintercalated to
intercalated silicate was determined at various
temperatures and for various molecular weights of PS.
Hybrid formation was limited by mass transport into the
primary particles of the host silicate and not specifically
by diffusion of the polymer chains within the silicate
galleries. The activation energy of hybrid formation is
146
similar to that previously measured for PS self-diffusion

in the melt, implying that the mobility of the polymer
chains within the host galleries is at least comparable to
that in the melt. Therefore, hybrid formation requires no
additional processing time than currently required by
conventional polymer processing techniques such as
extrusion. 37 refs.
USA
Accession no.575964
Item 395
7, No.11, Nov.1995, p.2144-50
MECHANISM OF CLAY TACTOID
EXFOLIATION IN EPOXY-CLAY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Lan T; Kaviratna P D; Pinnavaia T J
Monolithic epoxy resin exfoliated-clay nanocomposites
were prepared by the reaction of alkylammoniumexchanged smectite clays with diglycidyl ether of
bisphenol A and phenylenediamine as the curing agent.
Preliminary mechanical properties are mentioned. 36 refs.
USA
Accession no.569446
Item 396
7, No.9, Sept.1995, p.1597-600
SYNTHESIS AND PROPERTIES OF NEW
POLY(DIMETHYLSILOXANE)
NANOCOMPOSITES
Burnside S D; Giannelis E P
Cornell University
Using melt processing, PDMS-silicate nanocomposites
were synthesised by first delaminating the silicate in the
polymer matrix followed by crosslinking. The
nanocomposites decreased swelling in toluene and
increased thermal stability. The increased swelling
resistance is attributed to strong reinforcement/matrix
interactions and the large surface area attainable by
delamination and dispersion of the silicate particles in
the polymer matrix. 34 refs.
USA
Accession no.564137
Item 397
Synthetic Metals
72, No.3, June 1995, p.261-7
POLYPYRROLE-BEARING CONDUCTIVE
COMPOSITE PREPARED BY AN INVERTED
EMULSION PATHWAY INVOLVING NON-IONIC
SURFACTANTS
Yue Sun; Ruckenstein E
New York,State University
Polypyrrole-rubber composites were prepared in two steps

using an inverted emulsion pathway. Several non-ionic
surfactants, which are not sensitive to the ionic strength,
were used in the inverted pathway. The amount of
surfactant needed thus becomes very small compared with
that used for the ionic surfactant. The effect of the other
preparation conditions, such as the nature of the surfactant
and of the solvent used for washing the composite, was
also investigated. 18 refs.
USA
Accession no.554429
Item 398
Edition
33, No.7, May 1995, p.1047-57
SYNTHESIS AND BARRIER PROPERTIES OF
POLY(EPSILON-CAPROLACTONE)-LAYERED
Messersmith P B; Giannelis E P
Cornell University
A polymer-ceramic nanocomposite was synthesised which
consisted of well-dispersed, two-dimensional layers of
an organically modified mica-type silicate(MTS) within
a degradable poly-epsilon-caprolactone matrix. A
protonated amino acid derivative of MTS was used to
promote delamination/dispersion of the host layers and
initiate ring-opening polymerisation of epsiloncaprolactone monomer, resulting in poly-epsiloncaprolactone chains that were ionically bound to the
silicate layers. The polymer chains could be released from
the silicate surface by a reverse ion-exchange reaction
and were shown to be spectroscopically similar to pure
poly-epsilon-caprolactone. Thick films of the polymer
nanocomposite exhibited a significant reduction in water
vapour permeability that showed a linear dependence on
silicate content. The permeability of nanocomposite
containing as low as 4.8% silicate by volume was reduced
by nearly an order of magnitude compared with pure polyepsilon-caprolactone. 64 refs.
USA
Accession no.551767
and TEM. It was shown that the bar had a triple layer
structure consisting of surface, intermediate and middle
layers which had different preferred orientations. In the
surface layer, both the silicate monolayers and the chain
axes of nylon-6 crystallites were parallel to the bar surface,
though the latter were randomly oriented within the plane.
In the intermediate layer, the silicate monolayers remained
parallel to the bar surface but the nylon-6 crystallites
rotated by 90 degrees so that the chain axes would be
perpendicular to the bar surface or the silicate monolayers.
In the middle layer, the silicate monolayers were randomly
oriented around the flow axis of the NCH bar, while
remaining parallel to it, and the nylon crystallites were
randomly oriented around the flow axis while keeping
their chain axes perpendicular to the silicate monolayers.
It could be concluded that such preferred orientation of
nylon-6 crystallites was induced by the clay because the
crystallites in the pure nylon-6 bar had no preferred
orientation. 16 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.551743
Item 400
32, No.4, March 1994, p.625-30
FINE STRUCTURE OF NYLON-6-CLAY HYBRID
Kojima Y; Usuki A; Kawasumi M; Okada A; Kurauchi
T; Kamigaito O; Kaji K
Toyota Central R & D Laboratories Inc.;
Kyoto,University
Nylon-6-clay hybrid (NCH) is a molecular composite of
nylon-6 in which silicate monolayers of montmorillonite
are uniformly dispersed in the nylon-6 matrix. Using Xray diffraction and transmission electron micrography, it
was shown that both the the silicate layers and the nylon6 crystallites (gamma-form) in NCH film had planar
orientation, and the chain axes of nylon-6 crystallites were
parallel to the film surface. The orientation of chain axes
of nylon-6 crystallite increased with montmorillonite
content, but the planar orientation of the silicate layers
was independent of montmorillonite content. The results
were discussed. 11 refs.
JAPAN
Item 399
33, No.7, May 1995, p.1039-45
NOVEL PREFERRED ORIENTATION IN
INJECTION-MOULDED NYLON-6/CLAY
HYBRID
T; Kamigaito O; Kaji K
Toyota Central R & D Laboratories Inc.;
Kyoto,University
The preferred orientation of montmorillonite and nylon6 crystallites in a thick injection-moulded bar of nylon-6/
clay hybrid(NCH) was investigated by X-ray diffraction
Accession no.548607
Item 401
7, No.3, March 1995, p.562-71
TWO-DIMENSIONAL NANOCOMPOSITES:
ALTERNATING INORGANIC POLYMER
LAYERS IN ZIRCONIUM PHOSPHATE
Yi Ding; Jones D J; Mairele-Torres P; Roziere J
Montpellier,University
The preparation of a number of organozirconium
phosphate composites is described. The alpha,omegaamino acid intercalation compounds are temporally and
147
chemically stable, but their main interest lies in their use

as precursors for intercalation processes and for
polymerisation reactions in-situ, with formation, e.g. of
the first nylon-6 zirconium phosphate hybrid. 46 refs.
WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.547745
Item 402
Advanced Materials
7, No.2, Feb.1995, p.154-6
NEW POLYMER ELECTROLYTE
NANOCOMPOSITES: MELT INTERCALATION
OF POLYETHYLENE OXIDE IN MICA-TYPE
SILICATES
Vaia R A; Vasudevan S; Krawiec W; Scanlon L G;
Giannelis E P
Cornell University; Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
The direct polymer intercalation of PEO in Na+ or Li+exchanged layered silicates, for preparation of polymer
electrolyte nanocomposites, is described and the
properties of the resulting nanocomposites are discussed.
It is shown that intercalation of the polymer chains in the
silicate galleries greatly suppress their tendency to
crystallise. The conductivity of PEO/Li+-montmorillonite
nanocomposite containing 40 wt % PEO is 0.0000016 S/
cm at 30C and exhibits a weak temp. dependence with an
activation energy of 2.8 kcal/mol. 24 refs.
USA
Accession no.547358
Item 403
6, No.12, Dec.1994, p.2216-9
CLAY-REINFORCED EPOXY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Lan T; Pinnavaia T J
Details are given of the synthesis and mechanical
properties of clay-reinforced epoxy resin nanocomposites.
Phenylenediamine was used as curing agent. 25 refs.
USA
Accession no.538609
Item 404
55, No.1, 3rd Jan.1995, p.119-23
INTERACTION ON NYLON 6-CLAY SURFACE
AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF NYLON
6-CLAY HYBRID
Usuki A; Koiwai A; Kojima Y; Kawasumi M; Okada A;
Kurauchi T; Kamigaito O
Nylon 6-clay hybrid materials were synthesised using
montmorillonite, saponite, hectorite, and synthetic mica.
148
Mechanical properties of their injection moulded

specimens were measured. 6 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.537463
Item 405
6, No.10, Oct.1994, p.1719-25
LAYERED SILICATE-EPOXY
NANOCOMPOSITES
Cornell University
An epoxy-silicate nanocomposite was prepared by
dispersing an organically modified mica-type silicate in
an epoxy resin and curing in the presence of nadic methyl
anhydride, benzyldimethylamine or boron trifluoride
monoethylamine at 100-200C. Molecular dispersion of the
layered silicate within the crosslinked epoxy matrix was
verified using X-ray diffraction and TEM, revealing layer
spacings of 100A or more and good wetting of the silicate
surface by the epoxy matrix. The curing reaction appeared
to involve the hydroxyethyl groups of the alkylammonium
ions located in the galleries of the organically modified
silicate, which participated in the crosslinking reaction and
resulted in direct attachment of the polymer network to the
molecularly dispersed silicate layers. The nanocomposite
exhibited a broadened Tg at slightly higher temp. than the
unmodified epoxy. Furthermore, the dynamic storage
modulus of the nanocomposite containing 4 vol % silicate
was approximately 58% higher in the glassy region and
450% higher in the rubbery plateau region compared with
the unmodified epoxy. 49 refs.
USA
Accession no.534399
Item 406
6, No.5, May 1994, p.573-5
NATURE OF POLYIMIDE-CLAY HYBRID
COMPOSITES
Lan T; Kaviratna D; Pinnavaia T J
Polyimide-clay hybrid composites were prepared by
intercalation of a polyamic acid in the galleries of a series
of montmorillonites and subsequent conversion of the
polyamic acid to polyimide. The composites were studied
by X-ray diffraction and it was found that much of the
clay was retained in an ordered intercalated state upon
hybrid composition formation. The carbon dioxide
permeability of the composites was also studied and it
was shown that, despite the presence of a substantial
fraction of highly ordered clay aggregates, the barrier film
properties at low clay loadings were good. 21 refs.
USA
Accession no.514226
Item 407
6, No.4, April 1994, p.468-74
CLAY-POLYMER NANOCOMPOSITES
FORMED FROM ACIDIC DERIVATIVES OF
MONTMORILLONITE AND AN EPOXY RESIN
Wang M S; Pinnavaia T J
A new type of clay-polymer nanocomposite was prepared
by spontaneous self-polymerisation of an epoxy resin, the
diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA), and the
concomitant delamination (exfoliation) of acidic forms
of montmorillonite at elevated temperatures. The epoxide
polymerisation-clay delamination temperature (PDT) was
dependent on the heating rate and the nature of the clayexchange cation. 16 refs.
USA
Accession no.510626
Item 408
5, No.12, Dec.1993, p.1694-6
SYNTHESIS AND PROPERTIES OF TWODIMENSIONAL NANOSTRUCTURES BY
DIRECT INTERCALATION OF POLYMER
MELTS IN LAYERED SILICATES
Vaia R A; Ishii H; Giannelis E P
Cornell University
A versatile synthetic approach is reported which is based
on direct polymer melt intercalation, based on a
predominantly enthalpic mechanism. Using an organically
modified layered silicate, different polymers of varying
degrees of polarity and crystallinity have been
intercalated, including for the first time PS. A report is
given on the properties of the intercalated polymers by
concentrating on the PS-organosilicate hybrid. The results
have important implications not only in the synthesis and
properties of organic/inorganic nanostructures but also
in diverse areas where ultrathin polymer films confined
between are involved. These include filler-polymer
interactions in polymer composites, polymer adhesives,
lubricants, and interfacial agents between immiscible
phases. 25 refs.
A biodegradable nanocomposite consisting of polyepsilon-caprolactone-intercalated fluorohectorite

embedded in a matrix of the same polymer was
synthesised by heating the monomer intercalated silicate
in excess epsilon-caprolactone. NMR, IR, DSC and
powder X-ray diffraction analyses were used to
characterise the nanocomposite. The intercalated polymer
was strongly adsorbed within the two-dimensional silicate
galleries and did not show the characteristic melting
transition of poly-epsilon-caprolactone. 21 refs.
USA
Accession no.493193
Item 410
Edition
31, No.10, Sept.1993, p.2493-8
POLYIMIDE-CLAY HYBRID
Yano K; Usuki A; Okada A; Kurauchi T; Kamigaito O
A polyimide hybrid with montmorillonite clay mineral
was synthesised from a dimethylacetamide (DMAC)
solution of polyamic acid and a DMAC dispersion of
montmorillonite intercalated with an ammonium salt of
dodecylamine. In this hybrid, montmorillonite is dispersed
homogeneously into the polyimide matrix and oriented
parallel to the film surface, this structure showing
excellent gas barrier properties. Only 2 wt% addition of
montmorillonite brought permeability coefficients of
various gases to values less than half of those of ordinary
polyimide. This hybrid also has low thermal expansion
coefficient. 13 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.491611
Accession no.500889
Item 411
5, No.6, June 1993, p.835-8
STRUCTURAL, THERMAL, AND ELECTRICAL
CHARACTERISATION OF LAYERED
NANOCOMPOSITES DERIVED FROM NAMONTMORILLONITE AND POLYETHERS
Wu J; Lerner M M
Oregon University
Item 409
5, No.8, Aug.1993, p.1064-6
NANOCOMPOSITES: IN SITU
INTERCALATIVE POLYMERISATION OF
EPSILON-CAPROLACTONE IN LAYERED
SILICATES
Cornell University
Nanocomposites were prepared from Na-montmorillonite

and PEO or poly(oxymethylene oligo(oxyethylene)) and
characterised by X-ray diffraction, impedance
spectroscopy, DTA and TGA. Two ordered phases with
intersheet spacings of 13.6 and 17.7A, accommodating
either single or double polymer layers within the
montmorillonite galleries, were formed with polymer/Namontmorillonite stoichiometries of 0.15 and 0.30 g/g,
respectively. Materials prepared with intermediate
stoichiometries yielded diffraction profiles characteristic
of solid solutions of these two phases. The details of
USA
149
composition and structure provided strong evidence that

the polymer conformation was not helical as in crystalline
PEO but more closely resembled an adsorbed layer.
Sodium salts could also be incorporated into the polyether/
clay phases. The double-layer phase exhibited a maximum
stable ionic conductivity between 0.00001 and 0.000001
S/cm at 520K. 13 refs.
USA
Accession no.489206
Item 412
49, No.7, 15th Aug.1993, p.1259-64
SORPTION OF WATER IN NYLON 6-CLAY
HYBRID
T; Kamigaito O
Various nylon 6-clay hybrids, such as molecular
composites of nylon 6 and silicate layers of
montmorillonite or saponite, were synthesised. Sorption
of water in the hybrids was measured to estimate the
resistance to water permeation. The diffusion coefficient
and the partition coefficient were obtained from the
sorption curves. Montmorillonite improved the resistance
to water permeation of nylon 6 more than saponite.
Diffusion coefficients decreased with an increase in the
amount of clay minerals. An equation relating diffusion
coefficient to composition was obtained. 11 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.488971
Item 413
Edition
31, No.7, June 1993, p.1755-8
ONE-POT SYNTHESIS OF NYLON 6-CLAY
HYBRID
T; Kamigaito O
Nylon 6-clay hybrids were synthesised by polymerising
mixtures of epsilon-caprolactam and mixtures of 6aminocaproic acid (accelerator) in the presence of water,
montmorillonite, and various acids. Tensile and heat
distortion tests were carried out to estimate the mechanical
properties. 8 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.481706
Item 414
Journal of Materials Research
8, No.5, May 1993, p.1185
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF NYLON 6CLAY HYBRID
150
Kojima Y; Usuki A; Kawasumi M; Okada A;

Fukushima Y; Kurauchi T; Kamigaito O
Various nylon 6-clay hybrids, such as molecular
composites of nylon 6 and silicate layers of
montmorillonite and saponite, NCHs and NCHPs,
respectively, were synthesised. Tensile, flexural, impact
and heat distortion tests were carried out. NCH was found
to be superior in strength and modulus and comparable
in impact strength to nylon 6. The heat distortion
temp.(NDT) of NCH (montmorillonite 4.7 wt %) was
152C, which was 87C higher than that of nylon 6. In
NCHP, saponite had a smaller effect on the increase in
these mechanical properties. The modulus and HDT of
NCH and NCHP increased with an increase in the amount
of the clay minerals. It was found that these properties
were well described by the contribution of the constrained
region calculated from the storage and loss modulus at
the Tg. 9 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.478754
Item 415
Journal of Materials Research
8, No.5, May 1993, p.1179-84
SYNTHESIS OF NYLON 6-CLAY HYBRID
Usuki A; Kojima Y; Kawasumi M; Okada A;
Fukushima Y; Kurauchi T; Kamigaito O
epsilon-Caprolactam was polymerised in the interlayer
of montmorillonite, a layered silicate, yielding a nylon 6clay hybrid(NCH). X-ray diffraction and TEM studies
showed that the NCH was a real polymer-based
molecular composite or nanometer composite. Endgroup analysis of the nylon in NCH demonstrated that
NH3+ ions were present in NCH and interacted in the
montmorillonite layers, that COOH end groups in 12montmorillonite initiated polymerisation of epsiloncaprolactam and that the ratio of the bonded nylon to nonbonded nylon increased with increasing montmorillonite
content in NCH. 8 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.478753
Item 416
Edition
31, No.4, 30th March 1993, p.983-6
SYNTHESIS OF NYLON-6-CLAY HYBRID BY
MONTMORILLONITE INTERCALATED WITH
EPSILON-CAPROLACTAM
Kojima T; Usuki A; Kawasumi M; Okada A; Kurauchi
T; Kamigaito O
Montmorillonite intercalated with epsilon-caprolactam
was prepared from clay, water, caprolactam and
hydrochloric acid. X-ray diffraction revealed that the

chain axes of the epsilon-caprolactam were parallel to
the montmorillonite plates. The intercalated
montmorillonite was swollen by molten epsiloncaprolactam at 200C. Epsilon-caprolactam and 6aminocaproic acid (accelerator) were polymerised with
the intercalated montmorillonite at 160C for 6h, yielding
a nylon-6-clay hybrid. X-ray diffraction and TEM
revealed that the silicate layers of the hybrid were
uniformly dispersed in the nylon 6 matrix. Mechanical
properties of the hybrid were improved. 8 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.474394
Item 417
4,No.6,Nov/Dec.1992,p.1395-403
POLYETHYLENE OXIDE-SILICATE
INTERCALATION MATERIALS
Aranda P; Ruiz-Hitzky E
Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales
The results are reported of a study of the intercalculation
of PEO into 2:1 charged phyllosilicates (montmorillonite
and hectorite). Typical conductivity values associated with
the motion of the intracrystalline cations contained in the
PEO/montmorillonite materials are given. A model for
the PEO-silicate compounds, based on the preservation
of the helical structure of the polymer, is presented, which
is supported by IR, NMR and X-ray diffraction data. 47
refs.
EUROPEAN COMMUNITY; SPAIN; WESTERN EUROPE
Accession no.470911
Item 418
Makromolekulare Chemie
192,No.8,Aug.1991,p.1715-25
SYNTHESIS AND PROPERTIES OF QUASIRIGID POLYESTERS CONTAINING
DISUBSTITUTED TETRAHYDROPYRAN RINGS
IN THEIR MAIN CHAIN
Atsumi M;Okada M;Sumitomo H;Yamada S
NAGOYA,UNIVERSITY
Item 419
- REISSUE OF ABS.05024 pp.XIV,255. USD.24.50.
9ins. 25/6/75. R.ROOM. 95
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYMERS
AND COMPOSITES. VOL.1. NEW YORK,
MARCEL DEKKER INC., 1974
NIELSEN L E
This volume outlines the general mechanical properties
of polymers and composites. Particulate-filled polymers,
fibre filled composites, foams, high impact polymers and
poly blends are considered in relation to: stress-strain
properties; chemical structure; conversion factors for
moduli, stress and viscosity; glass transition temps. And
melting points; and relationships betweentengineering
moduli and tensor moduli. 393 refs.
Accession no.12239
Item 420
ACS, MACROMOLECULAR SECRETARIAT.
SYMPOSIUM, CHICAGO, ILL., AUG.1973
APPLIED POLYMER SYMPOSIA 25,1974, P.81-8.
CONFER.42C391
POLYMERISATION OF MONOMOLECULAR
LAYERS ADSORBED ON
MONTMORILLONITE: CYCLISATION IN
POLYACRYLONITRILE AND
POLYMETHACRYLONITRILE
BLUMSTEIN R; BLUMSTEIN A; PARIKH K K
A report is presented on the extensive cyclisation to
polyimine in PAN and pman prepared through free-radical
initiation in the case of monolayers of an and man
adsorbed on the surface of a sodium or a calcium
montmorillonite. 15 refs.
Accession no.3614
A polyester composed of linked tetrahydropyran rings was

synthesised by direct polycondensation of
hydroxytetrahydropyran carboxylic acid using
methylchloropyridinium iodide or triphenylphosphine and
hexachloroethane as condensing agents in pyridine at 25
or 50C. The hydroxycarboxylic acid was polymerised also
with dibutyltin oxide. Some properties were examined.
11 refs.
JAPAN
Accession no.430812
151
152
Subject Index
Subject Index
A
ABRASION RESISTANCE, 5 34 42
ABSORPTION, 259 289 392
ACRYLAMIDE, 286
ACRYLIC POLYMER, 5 104 320
341 389
ACRYLONITRILE, 294
ACRYLONITRILE-STYRENE
COPOLYMER, 294
ADHESION, 24 336 343
ADSORPTION, 27 29 82 194 293
331 411
AGGREGATE, 283 406
AGGREGATION, 64 66 118 157
263 297 371
ALIGNMENT, 1 89
ALKYLAMMONIUM GROUP, 46
270 356
ALKYLAMMONIUM ION, 152
AMINE, 38 95 96 116 126 175 201
206 279 319 341 346 405
AMINE-TERMINATED, 345
AMINO ACID, 346 401
AMINODODECANOIC ACID, 90
127 182 309
AMINOLAURIC ACID, 370
AMMONIUM COMPOUND, 95
127 195 204 300 310 341 345
374
AMMONIUM ION, 24 71 104 129
169 202 216 277
AMMONIUM
PEROXODISULFATE, 306
AMMONIUM SALT, 258 410
ANALYSIS, 6 9 12 13 21 30 31 39
41 52 62 63 71 84 107 108 109
116 118 132 134 138 156 170
188 202 203 219 239 253 277
292 305 315 316 318 322 332
339 377 417
ANISOTROPY, 55 98 157 238 301
334 378 387
APPLICATION, 5 15 20 32 53 56
61 101 114 144 171 230 232
265 270 278 324 345 352 359
402
AQUEOUS, 10 55 83 166 170 246
247 293 300 306 352
ASPECT RATIO, 20 24 111 114
121 168 226 241 334 369
ASSEMBLY, 144 151 319
ATOMIC FORCE MICROSCOPY,
7 41 48 103 116 137 155 231
246 249 255 310 370
AUTOMOTIVE APPLICATION,
15 20 53 61 114 144 230 278
AZOBISISOBUTYRONITRILE,
11 108 240 246
B
BARRIER PROPERTIES, 20 24 32
54 59 81 109 114 170 171 182
205 206 232 301 330 341 348
398 406 410
BEER BOTTLE, 20
BENDING STRENGTH, 368 369
BENTONITE, 67 68 311 344 360
367
BENZOXAZINE, 212
BENZYLDIMETHYLAMINE,
405
BIOCOMPOSITE, 352
BIODEGRADABLE, 3 15 20 23
27 29 50 54 88 122 153 161
257 376 409
BIOMATERIAL, 56 376
BIOMEDICAL APPLICATION,
171 270
BIREFRINGENCE, 97 250 305
BISHYDROXYETHYLMETHYL
DODECYLAMMONIUM
CHLORIDE, 37
BISPHENOL A, 95 116 407
BISPHENOL A DIGLYCIDYL
ETHER, 25 249 255
BISPHENOL A
POLYCARBONATE, 321
BLEND, 10 30 31 66 142 150 183
197 199 207 208 210 211 216
220 232 257 288 302 339 341
376 383 419
BLENDING, 33 35 46 110 141 203
208
BLISTER PACKAGING, 20
BLOCK COPOLYMER, 12 133
151 310 317 347
BLOW MOULDING, 74 232 349
BLOWN FILM, 58 76 232
BODY PANEL, 230
BOTTLE, 20 232
BRABENDER MIXER, 35 36 127
321
BULK POLYMERISATION, 104
155 178 204 240 341
BUTADIENE-ACRYLONITRILE
COPOLYMER, 109 345
BUTADIENE-STYRENE
COPOLYMER, 231 296 297
C
CABLE, 186 308
CALCIUM SILICATE, 352
CALCIUM STEARATE, 216
CALORIMETER, 35 36 52 156
169 178 204 303
CALORIMETRY, 38 52 60 199
207 208 209 210 221 222 224
303
CAPILLARY RHEOMETRY, 148
CAPROLACTAM, 84 368 369 413
CARBON 13, 12 84 159 203 332
367
CARBON BLACK, 111
CARBON DIOXIDE, 89
CARBON FIBRE, 144
CARBON-REINFORCED
PLASTICS, 111
CAST, 263 380
CASTING, 122 123 153 183 195
383
CATALYST, 102 144 159 196 236
251 334 345 392
CATION, 69 141 221 345 381 417
CATION EXCHANGE, 149 212
241 283 319 381 407
CELLULAR MATERIAL, 78 89
CERAMIC, 398
CHAR, 13 101 141
CHAR FORMATION, 52 110 156
186
CHAR YIELD, 159 264
CHARACTERISATION, 1 2 9 18
29 38 46 48 50 59 60 62 69 70
72 79 80 84 97 98 106 113 117
123 139 140 150 151 155 157
159 166 169 170 178 185 192
193 196 206 218 219 220 224
225 242 246 247 250 254 258
268 274 284 288 289 291 296
311 314 315 316 318 326 330
331 340 341 360 361 363 370
377 378 389 392 405 409 410
411
CHEMICAL MODIFICATION, 14
27 29 46 60 63 101 106 110 115
135 141 158 169 171 185 192
216 226 246 249 250 263 264
270 294 331 342 358
CHEMICAL RESISTANCE, 24 79
289 330 359
CHEMICAL STRUCTURE, 2 23
27 68 93 106 117 128 130 137
141 144 148 149 157 159 175
153
Subject Index
176 183 184 185 190 191 193

194 208 212 221 236 239 240
246 247 249 260 269 272 285
290 294 321 339 359 360 361
364 366 367 373 375 419
CHLOROFORM, 153 380 383
CHROMATOGRAPHY, 7 52 84
110 117 119 159 165 170 219
236 246 253
CLARITY, 5 20 55 205
CLOSED CELL, 89
CO-ROTATING, 149
CO-ROTATING EXTRUDER, 79
COATING, 5 144 170 253
COEXTRUSION, 232
COLD DRAWING, 273
COMBUSTION, 13 169 182
COMMERCIAL INFORMATION,
20
COMONOMER, 10 11 246 294
COMPATIBILISER, 4 46 57 63 73
97 99 120 149 165 218 262 274
312 319 347 372
COMPATIBILITY, 53 55 114 240
347
COMPLEX VISCOSITY, 14 63
111 115 226 257
COMPOSITION, 14 28 57 58 73
76 77 79 80 98 99 106 110 111
113 118 145 146 148 149 155
158 159 163 170 180 183 184
185 225 226 229 240 249 250
268 270 274 284 311 312 317
323 342 361 379 381
COMPOSTING, 54
COMPOUNDING, 22 40 95 101
129 134 334
COMPRESSION MOULDING,
109 111 233
COMPUTER SIMULATION, 118
176 194 235 304 382
CONDENSATION
POLYMERISATION, 148 150
263 418
CONDUCTION, 209 221
CONDUCTIVE POLYMER, 243
267 333
CONE CALORIMETER, 35 36 52
156 169 178 204 303
COOLING, 110 147 162 179 248
COOLING RATE, 115 138 147
162
COPOLYMER, 159 199
COPOLYMER COMPOSITION,
46 157 294 367
COPOLYMERISATION, 40 119 159
CORROSION RESISTANCE, 170
253
154
COST, 230 278

COUPLING AGENT, 4 343 373
CROSSLINK DENSITY, 172 183
250 307
CROSSLINKING, 94 101 119 146
188 201 249 250 255 275 276
307 308 344 373 396
CRYSTALLINITY, 7 9 24 32 45 67
90 91 93 94 113 115 138 147
154 157 158 160 162 177 179
180 202 203 208 210 217 222
229 233 238 247 248 282 301
316 348 351 371 375 380 399
400 408
CRYSTALLISATION, 7 24 41 45
48 50 67 82 91 93 97 115 129
147 149 154 157 158 160 162
179 180 188 203 217 227 229
233 248 271 350 351 365 380
383 391 402
CURING, 5 26 28 68 96 109 116
137 183 185 212 242 255 273
277 281 298 307 315 356 388
395 403 405
CURING AGENT, 24 26 95 116
183 193 201 249 255 277 307
329 388 403 405
CYANATE, 345
CYANATE ESTER RESIN, 28
D
DECABROMODIPHENYL
OXIDE, 101 169
DECOMPOSITION, 64 101 182
DECOMPOSITION
TEMPERATURE, 64 242 289
322 340
DECYLTRIMETHYLAMMONIUM
CHLORIDE, 246
DEFECT, 329 371
DEFORMATION, 24 134 287 355
DEFORMATION
TEMPERATURE, 9 25 32 54
181 278 351
DEGRADABLE, 3 15 20 23 27 29
54 88 122 153 161 257 376
DEGRADATION, 70 86 101 125
156 185 246 256 303 308 313
340 342
DEGRADATION
TEMPERATURE, 159 246 342
DEGREE OF CRYSTALLINITY,
113 115 147 154 180 210 400
DEGREE OF DISPERSION, 4 35
53 64 73 79 80 81 134 161 185
202 248 258 266 279 294 307
372
DEGREE OF POLYMERISATION,
353 390 394
DEINTERCALATION, 14
DELAMINATION, 63 66 118 132
187 228 327 359 360 383 396
398 407
DENSITY, 89 101 180 305 382
DIAMETER, 111 410
DIAMINE, 95 201 249 277
DIBUTYLTIN DIMETHOXIDE,
102 152
DICHLOROMETHANE, 17 106
142
DIELECTRIC SPECTROSCOPY,
223
DIELECTRIC STRENGTH, 242
DIFFERENTIAL SCANNING
CALORIMETRY, 6 7 21 41 66
67 175 188 189 207 210 212 233
238 253 254 274 277 284 316
326
DIFFERENTIAL THERMAL
ANALYSIS, 6 7 21 38 41 48 56
60 66 67 71 94 95 97 106 110
116 119 120 128 129 130 138
141 142 148 149 158 159 165
170 175 179 180 185 188 189
193 199 201 207 208 209 212
217 221 222 224 227 233 238
239 246 247 253 254 255 257
260 269 274 277 281 284 298
299 305 315 316 326 338 339
340 342 347 351 366 367 375
376 383 384 386 389 392 407
408 409 411
DIFFRACTION, 6 14 18 19 21 23
25 26 28 30 31 33 36 38 39 41
46 47 48 49 50 52
DIFFRACTION PATTERN, 14 28
46 69 115 118 141 157 170 184
185 207 212 215 217 225 226
240 245 267 270 307
DIFFUSION, 3 17 24 106 168 171
235
DIFFUSION COEFFICIENT, 17
106 181 234 412
DIFFUSION RATE, 193
DIMENSIONAL STABILITY, 74
183 240 278 311
DIMETHYL ACETAMIDE, 206
269 279 410
DIMETHYL HYDROGENATED
TALLOW AMMONIUM ION,
67
DIMETHYL HYDROGENATED
TALLOW
ETHYLHEXYLAMMONIUM,
141 294
Subject Index
DIPHENYLMETHANE
DIISOCYANATE, 106 184
DISPERSE PHASE, 280 286
DISPERSIBILITY, 148 200
DISPERSING AGENT, 174
DISPERSION, 10 14 22 24 30 34
45 51 52 61 68 73 100 101 112
115 118 123 136 137 140 141
149 158 161 180 185 192 194
207 208 216 218 222 226 228
231 240 241 246 274 283 294
295 296 297 300 302 306 309
315 327 330 335 340 341 342
346 358 359 362 368 369 374
396 398 405 410
DISPERSIVITY, 4 35 53 64 73 79
80 81 134 161 185 202 248 258
266 279 294 307 372
DISTEARYL DIMETHYL
AMMONIUM CHLORIDE,
380 383 385
DODECYL TRIMETHYL
AMMONIUM BROMIDE, 64
DODECYLAMINE, 200 206 320
410
DODECYLAMMONIUM
CHLORIDE, 315
DODECYLTRIMETHYLAMMONIUM
BROMIDE, 64
DOMAIN, 30 262
DOMAIN SIZE, 66
DRAWING, 157 383
DUCTILITY, 230 249
DYNAMIC MECHANICAL
ANALYSIS, 6 16 26 28 48 51
67 95 97 100 172 208 212 223
237 242 253 256 262 271 274
314 315 316
DYNAMIC MECHANICAL
PROPERTIES, 7 9 24 25 33 37
50 51 67 97 100 106 113 172
216 227 262 271 307 323
DYNAMIC MECHANICAL
THERMAL ANALYSIS, 7 19
38 72 113 183 196 218 307 376
DYNAMIC MODULUS, 300 317
405
DYNAMIC PROPERTIES, 7 9 24
25 33 37 50 51 67 97 100 106
113 172 216 227 262 271 307
323 335 359
DYNAMIC
THERMOMECHANICAL
ANALYSIS, 7 19 38 113 183
218 307 376
E
E-MODULUS, 24 42 46 76 90 115
135 141 144 149 211 249 266

340 383
ELASTIC MODULUS, 15 24 42
46 76 90 106 115 135 141 144
149 197 211 249 266 340 377
383
ELASTIC PROPERTIES, 8 23 24
45 115 133 183 186 241 257
260 262 273 313 315 317 349
378
ELASTOMER, 15 20 24 33 34 37
51 61 103 109 118 157 159 163
174 196 215 216 231 250 272
296 297 316 329 334 343 345
356 362 363 364 373 381 382
386 396
ELECTRIC CABLE, 186 308
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY,
69 111 166 190 221 267 280
306 336 361 387 397 402 417
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES, 69
101 128 144 166 245 267 280
291 306 308 333 336 361 411
417
ELECTRON DISPERSIVE X-RAY
ANALYSIS, 7
ELECTRON MICROGRAPH, 14
26 46 111 118 141 148 149 158
169 170 185 217 240 249 250
294 307 342 400
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY, 7 21
30 51 64 136 199 218 225 237
241 261 287 288 355
ELECTRON SPIN RESONANCE,
224 318 371
ELECTRORHEOLOGICAL
PROPERTIES, 69 243 291 333
ELEMENTAL ANALYSIS, 118
219 239 390 397
ELONGATION AT BREAK, 7 24
40 45 46 57 64 75 141 142 148
185 204 211 215 231 270 272
279 326 356 397
EMULSION, 10 83 243 246
EMULSION POLYMERISATION,
10 18 69 104 132 167 243 246
267 291 314 340 366 389 397
END GROUP, 329 345 379
ENERGY DISPERSIVE
SPECTROSCOPY, 397
ENVIRONMENTAL
DEGRADATION, 256
ENVIRONMENTALLY
FRIENDLY, 393
EPOXIDISED NR, 216 343
EPOXY ACRYLATE POLYMER, 5
EPOXY RESIN, 24 25 26 30 95 96
116 130 137 143 172 183 193
201 249 255 281 283 313 364

366 388 395 403 405 407
EQUILIBRIA, 106 180 250
ETHYLENE COPOLYMER, 46 94
126 134 157 196 199 209 219
226 302 334
ETHYLENE GLYCOL
COPOLYMER, 161 209
ETHYLENE OXIDE
COPOLYMER, 12
ETHYLENE-PROPYLENE
COPOLYMER, 267
ETHYLENE-PROPYLENEDIENE TERPOLYMER, 37
163
ETHYLENE TEREPHTHALATE
COPOLYMER, 199
ETHYLENE-MALEIC
ANHYDRIDE COPOLYMER,
115
ETHYLENE-VINYL ACETATE
COPOLYMER, 33 40 46 49 94
101 127 156 182 186 192 308
ETHYLENE-VINYL ALCOHOL
COPOLYMER, 59 76
EXCLUSION
CHROMATOGRAPHY, 110
EXFOLIATED, 14 17 26 42 43 45
50 58 74 75 78 79 98 141 145
146 154 163 164 185 194 226
238 240 246 274 311 312 316
321 342
EXFOLIATION, 3 7 9 11 18 24 42
43 45 46 47 50 51 55 58 62 66
75 78 79 83 85 87 94 98 100
104 105 106 108 114 115 116
117 118 120 123 124 126 127
132 134 135 138 145 148 149
154 160 164 174 178 185 187
193 201 203 205 211 216 218
219 226 228 231 239 255 263
266 274 281 288 289 295 300
311 312 319
EXPANDABLE, 358 368
EXPANSION, 7 24 140 254 377
EXPANSION COEFFICIENT, 6 15
28 181 242 254 263 266 273
279 337 346 377
EXTRACTION, 389
EXTRUSION, 22 24 43 58 74 79
80 101 135 148 149 158 165
173 186 192 197 205 208 222
228 256 288 294 319 338
EXTRUSION BLOW
MOULDING, 74
EXTRUSION COATING, 32
EXTRUSION INJECTION
MOULDING, 238
155
Subject Index
EXTRUSION MIXING, 22 79 80
173 197 208 222
F
FABRICATION, 307
FAILURE, 39 44 249 256
FIBRE, 305
FIBRE SPINNING, 148
FILLER DISTRIBUTION, 363
FILM, 1 17 20 32 58 76 136 145
170 185 190 206 232 242 245
248 250 253 254 263 270 279
301 310 375 377 382 383 398
400 410
FLAME RESISTANCE, 141 155
156 214 261 275 311
FLAME RETARDANCE, 52 101
155 156 169 173 186 276 308
FLAMMABILITY, 2 13 24 36 101
110 114 141 155 156 169 182
186 204 205 214 261 275 276
303 308 311 325 359
FLEXIBLE, 242 254
FLEXURAL PROPERTIES, 7 9 19
21 24 28 50 54 74 75 80 103
114 115 141 144 174 183 237
249 294 371 393 414
FLOW, 40 89 235 262 382 399
FLOW BIREFRINGENCE, 293
FLUORINE, 9 205 319 379
FLUOROHECTORITE, 96 127
133 149 182 192 314 409
FLUOROMICA, 7 75 319
FLUOROPOLYMER, 101
FOAM, 78 89 419
FOOD-CONTACT
APPLICATION, 20 76 232
FORMULATION, 187 189
FOURIER TRANSFORM
INFRARED SPECTROSCOPY,
2 27 29 48 55 68 69 95 118 119
128 139 151 162 170 191 204
207 214 219 221 222 239 242
247 248 256 285 298 322 326
340 342 366 387 389 392
FRACTURE, 24 92 98 249 269
403
FRACTURE MORPHOLOGY, 1 2
4 9 30 38 39 40 54 63 83 93 96
100 127 130 132 137 143 144
151 165 197 200 203 208 209
210 211 218 219 221 222 224
231 244 251 258 266 269 280
282 283 287 289 293 297 298
302 316 325 338 350 351 355
362 363 366 377 380
FRACTURE TOUGHNESS, 28 39
156
92 98 194 249 360

FREE-RADICAL INITIATOR, 11
FREE-RADICAL
POLYMERISATION, 47 119
170 246 300 320 323 345 357
392
FREQUENCY, 3 111 115 121 344
378
FUEL, 74
FUEL RESISTANCE, 79
FUMED SILICA, 250
FUNCTIONAL GROUP, 63 294
346 392
FUNCTIONALISATION, 135 198
205 262 300
FUNCTIONALITY, 62 319
G
GAS PERMEABILITY, 20 24 54
56 64 76 81 106 136 146 163
171 181 200 206 253 270 359
406 410
GEL, 24 300 344 354 365
GEL PERMEATION
CHROMATOGRAPHY, 7 52
84 117 119 159 165 170 219
236 246 253 391 408
GLASS TRANSITION
TEMPERATURE, 7 21 24 26
28 47 50 51 58 66 72 75 95 96
118 119 128 135 137 138 140
145 165 183 184 207 208 212
223 224 246 257 263 284 289
290 307 313 314 316 323 326
340 350 351 367 374 376 384
388 405 419
GRAFT COPOLYMER, 46 93 115
149 169 214 226 302 303 347
390
GRAFT POLYMERISATION, 259
302 345
GRAPHITE, 178
GRAVIMETRIC ANALYSIS, 7 18
28 38 39 60 64 107 110 118 132
136 141 148 155 159 170 185
189 199 209 212 214 215 219
220 224 246 253 254 261 274
284 314 322 340 342 361 363
HEAT DISTORTION
TEMPERATURE, 9 25 32 50 54
181 205 278 351 413 414 416
HEAT RELEASE, 24 156 303
HEAT RELEASE RATE, 35 36
169 204 275
HEAT RESISTANCE, 3 20 24 28
36 42 47 55 64 97 101 105 107
110 118 136 140 141 146 153
155 156 159 166 168 170 172
178 185 195 204 212 214 220
254 263 269 284 303 311 314
316 337 340 346 357 359 361
HEAT STABILITY, 31 100 123
140 155 200 242 254 284 311
314 335
HEAT TREATMENT, 138 200 269
HECTORITE, 24 164 293 332 365
367 371 377 404 417
HEXADECYLAMINE, 64 206 346
HIGH DENSITY
POLYETHYLENE, 43 45 46 57
74 334 349 362
HIGH MODULUS, 335
HIGH MOLECULAR WEIGHT,
85 185
HIGH TEMPERATURE, 242 282
343
HIGH VOLTAGE ELECTRON
MICROSCOPY, 287
HOMOGENEOUS, 123 150 327
330 347 374
HYBRID, 119 148 159 185 200
212 217 225 294 322 339 346
363 366 374 385 410 413 414
415
HYBRID COMPOSITE, 148 163
217 256 262 294 305 315 327
340 363 394 400 401
HYBRID POLYMER, 119 159 359
377 408
HYDROGEN BOND, 55 119 161
162 272 292 347
HYDROGENATED, 141 216 228
HYDROLYSIS, 84 265 368 369
392
HYDROPHILIC, 114 167 219 324
HYDROPHOBIC, 29 114 167 219
I
H
HARDNESS, 34 83 145 183 349
HEAT DEGRADATION, 24 42 48
52 70 84 102 127 131 146 168
182 185 192 196 214 246 254
257 264 271 284 290 300 308
340 342
IMIDISATION, 185 263 342

IMMISCIBLE, 8 35 36 70 182 408
IMPACT PROPERTIES, 7 15 19
24 25 30 103 141 149 197 208
211 237 275 311 351 414
IMPEDANCE SPECTROSCOPY,
170 411
Subject Index
IN-SITU, 35 72 84 149 155 170 217

240 246 292 323 342 365 401
409
IN SITU POLYMERISATION, 11
24 31 38 108 120 164 181 185
203 210 240 274 278 286 350
371
INDUCTIVELY COUPLED
PLASMA SPECTROMETRY,
118
INITIATOR, 11 62 102 108 152 236
240 246 357
INJECTION MOULDING, 16 24 52
57 84 114 187 233 287 351 399
404
INSERTION POLYMERISATION,
88
INTERACTION, 3 4 55 94 95 135
158 195 197 198 282 307 343
347 351 371 396 408
INTERCALATING AGENT, 170
294
INTERFACIAL ADHESION, 24 87
231 343
INTERFACIAL AGENT, 408
INTERFACIAL FREE ENERGY,
180
INTERFACIAL PROPERTIES, 157
194 282 351
INTERFACIAL TENSION, 87 103
INTERLAMELLAR, 345
INTERLAMELLAR SPACING, 283
INTERLAYER, 170 198 332 357
367
INTERLAYER SPACING, 149 158
240 262 294 321 334 367
INTRINSIC VISCOSITY, 63 121 150
ION EXCHANGE, 81 114 149 212
216 224 241 283 318 319 334
345 381 390 398
IONIC CONDUCTIVITY, 209 221
280 411
IONOMER, 1 83 229 274 331
IR SPECTROSCOPY, 2 27 48 55 68
69 84 95 106 118 119 128 131
139 151 162 170 191 204 212
214 224 239 247 248 250 256
285 298 315 322 326 340 341
343 361 366 390 409 417 418
ISOPRENE-STYRENE
COPOLYMER, 317
ISOTHERM, 27 29 331
ISOTHERMAL, 91 97 180
K
KAOLIN, 197 349
KAOLINITE, 353 392
L
LAMELLA, 93 134 227 238 239
247 256 282 287 340 380 389
LAMINATE, 359 399
LANGIVIN EQUATION, 17 69
106 115 131 133 143 158 170
180 183 184 188 189 194 212
213
LATEX, 12 297
LATTICE, 82 157 247
LAYER, 6 169 170 180 185 194
255 262 270 294 340 342 347
359 367 378 400 401 408
LAYERED STRUCTURE, 14 26
28 50 69 81 88 118 141 149 164
169 170 184 192 225 246 265
270 285 287 307 311 312 316
347
LIGHT DEGRADATION, 214 230
LIGHT MICROSCOPY, 55
LIGHT SCATTERING, 158 227
LIGHT STABILITY, 214
LIQUID CRYSTAL POLYMER,
148
LIVING POLYMERISATION, 152
LLDPE, 334 376
LOADING, 28 110 111 141 159
170 184 262
LOSS TANGENT, 3 7 14 25 28 67
111 115 122 141 146 195 208
216 227 237 257 271 307 311
344 378 414
LOW DENSITY
POLYETHYLENE, 57
LOW TEMPERATURE
PROPERTIES, 230
M
MAGNESIUM SILICATE, 251
365
MAGNETIC PROPERTIES, 367
MALEATED, 14 45 63 98 115 226
MALEIC ANHYDRIDE, 4 24 35
36 45 57 198 226 227 262 372
374
MALEIC ANHYDRIDE
COPOLYMER, 46 89 93 134
149 158 169 214 219 226 237
295 302 303 319
MAR RESISTANCE, 278
MASS POLYMERISATION, 104
155 178 204 240 341
MASTERBATCH, 10 22 31
MATERIAL REPLACEMENT,
101 181 186 278
MATRIX, 10 24 83 101 109 110
115 118 123 136 148 149 158

159 170 180 226 241 242 294
315 340 347 396 400 410
MATRIX POLYMERISATION, 150
MDI, 106 184
MECHANICAL SPECTRA, 376
MECHANISM, 70 84 86 93 115
149 154 158 176 178 204 246
248 249 256 283 307 358 405
408
MEDICAL APPLICATION, 56 171
270
MEDIUM-DENSITY
POLYETHYLENE, 113
MELT, 3 6 31 46 54 63 71 88 97
108 110 134 141 158 160 195
197 203 205 212 262 289 307
319 321 334 339 384 393 402
MELT BLEND, 7 36 66 77 104 126
163 214 295 327
MELT COMPOUNDING, 75 87
115 149 226 288 334
MELT EXTRUSION, 149 226 227
MELT FLOW, 94 121 181 196 382
394
MELT MIXING, 73 77 85 163 198
210 262 294 374
MELT POLYMERISATION, 24
MELT PROCESSING, 57 77 85 86
139 214 226 228 268 274 278
282 396
MELT PROPERTIES, 40 111 112
113 268 311
MELT SPINNING, 305
MELT VISCOSITY, 75 85 112 113
197 198 382
MELTING, 67 148 177 384 409
MELTING POINT, 7 58 89 91 94
126 142 148 153 175 233 324
350 419
MELTING TEMPERATURE, 50 58
138 175 177 180 189 233
METHACRYLATE COPOLYMER,
345
METHACRYLIC ACID
COPOLYMER, 94
METHYL ALUMINOXANE, 159
164 196 334
METHYL METHACRYLATE, 240
METHYL METHACRYLATE
325 367
METHYL TALLOW
BISHYDROXYETHYLAMMONIUM, 294
MICA, 9 50 81 105 120 241 250
254 259 319 358 368 369 373
377 391 394 398 402 404 405
157
Subject Index
MICROCOMPOSITE, 110 127 141

192
MICROGRAPHY, 16 38 199 208
211 218 219 220
MICROPHASE SEPARATION,
151 171
MICROPOROUS, 172
MICROSCOPY, 1 16 34 38 51 97
137 149 199 207 208 211 218
219 220 222 225 227 310 355
371 415
MICROSTRUCTURE, 2 4 9 12 63
70 71 72 94 120 144 153 158
195 225 320 323
MICROVOID, 7 287
MIGRATION, 13 341
MISCIBILITY, 66 120 183 207 257
347 374 376 393
MIXER, 35 36 127 321
MIXING, 3 22 24 35 36 60 63 70
73 77 79 80 109 123 163 173
185 191 197 198 208 210 211
218 219 222 262 274 289 294
297 298 307 374 394
MODIFICATION, 14 27 29 46 60
104 106 110 115 135 141 158
169 171 185 226 246 249 270
294 342
MODIFIED, 9 11 28 30 37 46 62
100 101 106 110 117 184 226
246 249
MODIFIER, 6 103 202 246 312
MODULUS, 81 83 133 148 193 196
206 256 262 263 270 275 278
286 355 359 360 368 369 414
MOISTURE CONTENT, 239 344
MOISTURE RESISTANCE, 131
MOLECULAR
CONFIGURATION, 12 71 118
139 194 248 332 352
MOLECULAR DYNAMICS, 176
177 194 359 367 382 394
MOLECULAR INTERACTION,
27 29 194 294 307 339
MOLECULAR MOBILITY, 3 24
MOLECULAR MOTION, 12 340
384 417
MOLECULAR ORIENTATION,
118 217 400
MOLECULAR PACKING, 248 350
MOLECULAR STRUCTURE, 2 23
27 68 93 106 117 128 130 137
141 144 148 149 157 159 175
176 183 184 185 190 191 193
194 208 212 217 221 236 239
240 246 247 249 260 269 272
285 290 294 321 339 359 360
361 364 366 367 373 375 388
158
390 395 400 403 408 411 418

MOLECULAR WEIGHT, 7 14 43
46 52 62 71 84 85 102 124 149
150 164 165 170 253 294 320
353 376 378 390 394
MOLECULAR WEIGHT
DISTRIBUTION, 62 124 236
329
MONSANTO RHEOMETER, 343
MOULDING, 109 112 192 230 233
343
MULTILAYER, 20 32 101 225
MULTIWALL, 111 144
N
NANOCRYSTAL, 157
NANOFIBRE, 111 144
NANOLAYER, 118 170 216 300
356
NANOPARTICLE, 24 30 73 75 82
92 112 140 145 147 149 151 157
159 196 229 232 233 268 274
312 314 326 351
NANOPHASE, 42 43 44 45 147 161
175 233 314
NANOPOWDER, 79 80 232
NANOSTRUCTURE, 19 36 108
124 173 261 316 323 408
NANOTUBE, 15 20 111 144
NATURAL RUBBER, 216 343
NBR, 109 345
NETWORK, 2 183 241 250 287 356
392
NETWORK STRUCTURE, 133 329
NEUTRON SCATTERING, 293
NITRILE COPOLYMER, 362
NITROGEN-CONTAINING
POLYMER, 55 239 265 306 318
331 336 344 353
NORBORNENE COPOLYMER,
151
NOVOLAC RESIN, 2
NUCLEAR MAGNETIC
RESONANCE, 2 12 84 106 131
150 159 202 203 236 332 339
367 386 404 409 417 418
NUCLEATING AGENT, 82 93 147
229 274 383
NUCLEATION, 48 115 144 147 149
158 160 180 229 274
NYLON, 24 41 48 85 90 91 92 101
105 114 121 125 150 179 197
202 203 210 211 232 282 358
370 378 413 414
NYLON-12, 7 75 287 309 311 355
370
NYLON-6, 15 16 20 24 25 41 44 84
85 90 91 105 121 125 138 147

162 177 179 197 202 203 213
217 228 232 233 237 238 256
282 288 301 351 358 359 368
369 378 386 399 400 401 404
413 414 415
NYLON-6,6, 20 65 92 129 194 274
324
O
OLIGOMER, 117 196 321 372 374
ONE-STEP, 263
ONIUM ION, 126 246
ONIUM SALT, 204 345
OPTICAL CLARITY, 19 170
OPTICAL MICROSCOPY, 50 97
110 137 148 149 158 180 227
233 249 310
OPTICAL PROPERTIES, 2 24 34
40 55 83 97 118 170 185 205
245 250 299 346 410
OPTIMISATION, 43 57 63 79 198
ORGANIC-INORGANIC
COMPOSITE, 2 139 157 312
313 314 326 340
ORGANOCLAY, 3 25 32 46 47 64
81 85 86 90 94 95 101 118 121
136 148 169 185 192 193 199
264 288
ORGANOCLAY COMPOUND,
112 113 139 140 145 146 155
161 294 311 312 326 342 363
ORGANOPHILIC, 82 83 105 122
149 153 158 166 170 187 193
206 227 231 240 294 295 300
307 319 327 334 372 377 380
383
ORGANOSILICATE, 50
ORGANOSILOXANE POLYMER,
363
ORIENTATION, 1 74 134 157 188
226 231 233 238 250 256 293
320 324 375 380 399 400 410
OXIDATION, 127 192 214 264
OXIDATIVE COUPLING, 306
OXYDIANILINE, 266 273 335 342
OXYGEN, 3 125 127 170 206 379
OXYGEN PERMEABILITY, 9 59
64 76 146 232 348
OXYGEN SCAVENGER, 20
OXYGEN TRANSMISSION
RATE, 20 32 76
P
PACKAGING, 20 32 232
PARAMAGNETIC, 178 202 203 367
Subject Index
PARTICLE, 10 63 69 158 185 241

262 340 396
PARTICLE SIZE, 2 5 55 83 103
114 158 192 241 244 329 336
337 350 359 361 372 377
PATTERN, 14 46 115 118 158 217
225 255
PERCOLATION THRESHOLD,
111
PERMEABILITY, 20 24 32 54 56
59 64 74 76 79 81 106 136 146
154 163 170 171 181 200 206
232 234 253 270 299 348 377
398 410
PHASE BEHAVIOUR, 183 210
310 326
PHASE IMAGING, 246
PHASE SEPARATION, 30 110 151
171 183 260 326
PHASE STRUCTURE, 1 198 408
PHASE TRANSITION, 7 65 67
177
PHENOLIC RESIN, 2 107 275 298
PHENYLENE DIAMINE, 249 273
335 342 395 403
PHOSPHONIUM COMPOUND,
204
PHOTOCHEMICAL STABILITY,
214
PHOTOELECTRON
SPECTROSCOPY, 13 267
PHOTOOXIDATION, 214
PHOTOPOLYMERISATION, 68
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES, 7 58
83 101 142 148 173 175 233
324 343 350 373
PIGMENT, 22 230
PLASTICISER, 15 42 47 60 77 341
PLATELET, 3 85 114 115 194 195
293
POLARISED LIGHT
MICROSCOPY, 55
POLARISED OPTICAL
MICROSCOPY, 50 110 148
158 180 233
POLYACRYLAMIDE, 344 354
POLYACRYLATE, 5 392
POLYACRYLIC ACID, 259
POLYACRYLONITRILE, 132 365
420
POLYAMIC ACID, 100 200 206
242 260 266 269 290 335 342
406 410
POLYAMIDE, 24 41 48 85 90 91
92 101 105 114 121 125 150
179 197 202 203 210 211 232
282 358 370 378 399 414 415
POLYAMIDE IMIDE, 145
POLYAMIDE-1010, 48
POLYAMIDE-12, 7 75 287 311
370
POLYAMIDE-6, 15 16 20 24 25 41
44 62 84 85 90 91 105 121 125
138 147 162 177 179 197 202
203 213 217 228 232 233 237
238 256 282 288 305 351 358
359 368 369 378 386 399 400
401 404 412 413 414 415 416
POLYAMIDE-6,6, 20 65 92 194
274
POLYANILINE, 166 168 243 244
253 267 291 292 306 333 365
POLYBENZOXAZINE, 212 315
POLYBENZOXAZOLE, 140 269
POLYBUTADIENE, 231 373
POLYBUTYL ACRYLATE, 322
POLYBUTYLENE, 6 171
POLYBUTYLENE
TEREPHTHALATE, 135
POLYCAPROLACTAM, 16 25 44
84 90 91 138 147 162 177 179
213 217 228 232 233 237 238
256 351 359
POLYCAPROLACTONE, 3 17 23
31 58 88 102 106 141 152 154
218 338 380 398 409
POLYCARBONATE, 111 117 191
284
POLYCONDENSATION, 148 150
263 418
POLYDIMETHYL SILOXANE,
24 101 241 250 329 359 386
396
POLYDISPERSITY, 285 320
POLYELECTROLYTE, 128 221
304 331 354 402
POLYEPOXIDE, 24 25 26 30 95
96 116 130 137 143 172 183
193 201 249 255 281 283 313
364 366
POLY-EPSILONCAPROLACTAM, 16 25 44 62
84 90 91 138 147 162 177 179
217 228 232 233 237 238 256
351 359
POLYESTER ACRYLATE, 5
POLYESTER RESIN, 34 379
POLYESTER-URETHANE, 34
174
POLYESTERAMIDE, 32
POLYETHER, 195 225 239 247
293 375 384 402 411
POLYETHERIMIDE, 289
POLYETHYLENE, 36 43 45 46 53
57 59 73 74 101 112 113 115
134 164 209 226 251 334 349
362 376
POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL, 60
POLYETHYLENE OXIDE, 71 128
139 142 176 195 209 221 239
247 252 257 293 304 332 339
375 376 384 386 402 411 417
POLYETHYLENE
TEREPHTHALATE, 20 120
229 274 348 350 391
SILSESQUIOXANE, 157 159
183
POLYHYDROXYALKANOATE,
15
POLYHYDROXYBUTYRATE, 23
257 376
POLYIMIDE, 24 38 100 131 172
185 200 206 242 254 260 266
269 273 279 290 335 337 346
377 406 410
POLYIONENE, 1 83 229 274 331
POLYISOBUTYLENE, 171
POLYISOPRENE, 216
POLYLACTIC ACID, 15 64
POLYLACTIDE, 23 50 54 60 81
110 165 383
POLYLACTONE, 124 380 409
POLYLAUROLACTAM, 7 75 287
311 370
POLYMERIC COMPATIBILISER,
73 99 274
POLYMERISATION, 10 11 17 18
24 31 38 40 47 48 62 68 69 84
88 95 101 102 104 107 108 116
119 124 132 133 138 150 151
152 154 155 159 167 170 178
180 193 204 215 224 236 240
243 246 255 263 267 269 274
278 286 291 292 300 306 314
318 320 321 323 337 340 341
345 346 350 357 366 368 369
371 401 407 413 420
POLYMERISATION CATALYST,
102 159 196 236 251 334
POLYMERISATION INITIATOR,
11 62 102 108 152 236 240 357
398 415
POLYMERISATION
MECHANISM, 62 68 102 106
108 157 159 236 251 259 269
338 366
POLYMETHYL
METHACRYLATE, 24 30 66
72 104 108 142 170 236 240
246 314 320 323 330 339 341
347 389
POLYORGANOSILOXANE, 241
250 329 363
159
Subject Index
POLYOXYETHYLENE, 128 139

142 176 209 376
POLYPHENYLENE VINYLENE,
328
POLYPHENYLSILSESQUIOXANE, 183
POLYPROPYLENE, 4 14 15 20 24
35 53 80 82 87 89 93 97 98 99
101 149 158 169 173 180 181
187 188 196 197 198 205 208
214 227 262 264 268 271 278
295 303 319 372 374 385
POLYPROPYLENE OXIDE, 225
POLYSILOXANE, 316 363
POLYSTYRENE, 8 10 12 13 24 35
47 52 66 78 104 105 133 155
159 160 167 178 197 204 207
222 235 240 248 276 280 300
303 323 327 340 357 359 371
386 390 394 408
POLYSULFONE, 123 220
POLYUREA-URETHANE, 171
270
POLYURETHANE, 24 34 56 79 83
106 112 118 136 174 184 215
225 272 326
POLYURETHANE ACRYLATE,
68
POLYURETHANE ELASTOMER,
24 356
POLYURETHANE ESTER, 34
174
POLYURETHANE-UREA, 171
270
POLYVINYL ALCOHOL, 189 223
299 352 375
POLYVINYL AMINE, 27 29
POLYVINYL CARBAZOLE, 336
361
POLYVINYL CHLORIDE, 11 18
19 31 42 70 77 101 186 341
POLYVINYL CYANIDE, 132
POLYVINYL ESTER, 39
POLYVINYL FORMAMIDE, 27
29
POLYVINYL PYRIDINE, 150 224
331
POLYVINYL PYRROLIDONE, 55
119 150 239 306 318 353 365
POLYVINYLBENZENE, 8 66 78
155 207 222 323
POLYVINYLCARBAZOLE, 336
361
POLYVINYLIDENE FLUORIDE,
67
PROCESSABILITY, 20 40 218
312
PROCESSING, 1 3 5 19 35 36 43
160
55 86 87 89 110 126 135 143

197 202 217 312 319 321 334
338 374
PROCESSING AID, 173 218 312
PROPYLENE COPOLYMER, 63
89 93 149 158 169 196 214 237
295 302 319
PROTON MAGNETIC
RESONANCE, 12 150 203
PYROLYSIS GAS
CHROMATOGRAPHY, 341
PYROMELLITIC ANHYDRIDE,
269 273 335 342
Q
QUALITY CONTROL, 22
QUATERNARY AMMONIUM,
141 185 194 288 334 346 357
QUATERNARY PHOSPHONIUM
SALT, 170
R
RADIATION CURING, 5 344
RADICAL POLYMERISATION,
47 170 236 300 320 345 357
420
REACTION CONDITIONS, 28 69
118 159 240
REACTION MECHANISM, 106
118 159 169 185 225 240 294
307 342
REACTIVE BLENDING, 35 208
RECYCLING, 15 73 230
REDOX POLYMERISATION, 224
318
RELAXATION, 25 217 317 384
RELAXATION TIME, 150 317
367
RESISTIVITY, 111 144
RHEOLOGICAL PROPERTIES, 3
5 7 14 23 34 40 45 52 54 61 63
66 69 75 89 94 111 112 113 115
117 121 122 127 130 133 141
150 153 165 167 195 196 198
211 212 218 226 235 244 252
257 260 262 268 277 278 288
291 300 307 309 311 321 333
344 376 378 382 386
RHEOMETER, 153 333 343 376
RING OPENING
POLYMERISATION, 17 62 88
102 124 151 152 154 321
ROOM TEMPERATURE, 151 185
353
ROTATIONAL MOULDING, 112
ROTATIONAL RHEOMETER,
153 333 376

RUBBER, 15 24 33 34 37 51 61
103 109 118 157 159 163 174
196 215 216 231 250 272 296
297 316 329 334 343 345 356
362 363 364 373 381 382 386
396 419
S
SAPONITE, 118 138 377 404 412
414
SATURATED POLYESTER, 3 23
54 88 122 124 135 148 152 153
161 174 348 376 379 398 409
418
SBR, 231 296 297
SCANNING ELECTRON
MICROSCOPY, 2 7 8 15 16 19
21 25 30 33 39 48 52 55 64 66
85 89 107 111 124 131 132 136
148 155 161 192 193 197 199
206 218 228 237 241 244 249
250 251 254 261 269 274 283
286 287 288 289 303 309 314
322 323 326 330 347 350 361
362 363 366 390 394 397 400
SCANNING FORCE
MICROSCOPY, 371
SCANNING PROBE
MICROSCOPY, 34
SCRATCH RESISTANCE, 5 205
278
SCREW DESIGN, 79 80
SCREW EXTRUDER, 288
SCREW SPEED, 43 58
SECONDARY ION MASS
SPECTROSCOPY, 66
SELF-ASSEMBLY, 144 151 319
SELF-POLYMERISATION, 116
407
SEQUENTIAL MIXING, 307
SHEAR, 63 117 217 228 257 262
268 293 307 320 321
SHEAR MODULUS, 164 277 307
311
SHEAR PROPERTIES, 3 51 69 85
122 153 164 167 188 211 217
243 257 291 300 378
SHEAR RATE, 43 69 153 217 218
243 268 359 376
SHEAR STRESS, 69 85 211 243
257 291
SHEAR VISCOSITY, 7 14 23 69
153 195 257 268 307 376 386
SHEET, 27 238 256 331 347
SHEETING, 16
SHRINKAGE, 305 324
Subject Index
SILANISATION, 250
SILICONE COPOLYMER, 196 386
SILICONE ELASTOMER, 24 363
SILICONE POLYMER, 316 363
SILOXANE, 101 275
SILSESQUIOXANE, 172 188 236
313
SILSESQUIOXANE
COPOLYMER, 119 196
SINGLE SCREW EXTRUDER, 22
228 288
SIZE EXCLUSION
CHROMATOGRAPHY, 110
SMALL ANGLE X-RAY
SCATTERING, 14 26 66 123
210 217 238 255 274
SMALL-ANGLE, 62 116 383
SMECTITE, 53 81 230 286 304 367
SODIUM MONTMORILLONITE,
19 55 69 70 101 110 167 168
174 209 215 292
SOLUBILITY, 254 329 337 346
348
SOLUTION, 55 70 84 100 185 200
242 247 260 293 307 321 352
384 410
SOLUTION CASTING, 183
SOLUTION POLYMERISATION,
24 104 107 263 269 320 337
SOLUTION PROCESSING, 139
SOLVENT, 24 70 101 153 212 242
252 285 337 343 345 346 375
380 396 397
SOLVENT CASTING, 122 123 153
195 375 383
SOLVENT RESISTANCE, 24 289
330 359
SOLVENTLESS, 205
SONICATION, 185
SPACING, 139 197 255
SPHERULITE, 50 93 158 180
SPINNING, 148 305 367
STABILISER, 77 306
STABILITY, 3 20 24 28 36 42 47 64
97 101 105 110 118 136 140 141
146 153 155 156 159 166 168
170 172 178 185 195 204 212
214 220 254 263 269 284 303
310 311 314 316 337 340 346
357 361
STACKING, 50 247 383
STEARYLAMMONIUM, 158 315
374
STEPS, 15 114 230
STIFFNESS, 19 24 74 115 141 144
174 249 294 371 393
STORAGE MODULUS, 3 6 7 8 14
15 24 25 26 28 33 47 48 50 54
67 95 97 100 111 113 121 122

127 132 135 141 146 158 163
172 183 184 195 208 211 226
227 237 256 257 262 271 295
307 309 311 314 323 372 374
377 378 405 414
STRAIN, 44 48 121 144 216 256
344
STRAIN AT BREAK, 184 249
STRENGTH, 20 144 153 187 194
204 249 263 337 344 346 355
356 359 393
STRESS, 44 69 106 121 149 216
244 256 266 313
STRESS RELAXATION, 313 317
344
STRESS-STRAIN PROPERTIES,
38 85 106 174 189 191 244
250 262 295 340 347 356 386
419
STYRENE, 104 240 307
STYRENE-ACRYLONITRILE
STYRENE COPOLYMER, 10 12
133 310 327
STYRENE-ETHYLENE
BUTYLENE-STYRENE
BLOCK COPOLYMER, 397
STYRENE-ISOPRENE
COPOLYMER, 317
SURFACE PROPERTIES, 49 112
130 304 331 371 399
SURFACE TREATMENT, 32 37
102 109 112 240 249 312 315
346
SURFACTANT, 47 66 85 195 207
238 240 248 300 310 312 315
397
SUSPENSION
POLYMERISATION, 11 18 47
104 108 246
SWELLING, 160 193 231 238 250
316 335 343 354 370 373 396
SWELLING AGENT, 184 266 309
335
SYNCHROTRON RADIATION,
116 217
SYNDIOTACTIC, 149 159 160
207 222 248
SYNTHESIS, 21 27 28 48 50 62
69 104 106 118 148 150 151
152 154 159 166 167 180 181
184 186 192 193 196 205 206
212 215 225 240 243 246 254
263 270 283 291 306 307 314
316 318 321 326 331 333 334
340 357 359 360 361 363 365
367 377 392 396 397 398 405
407 408 409 410 413 415
T
TALLOW, 85 95 127 202 216 228
TALLOW AMINE, 7 67 141
TAN DELTA, 24 26 115 132 183
184 307 376 383
TAPPING MODE ATOMIC
FORCE MICROSCOPY, 249
TDI, 95 225
TEMPERATURE DEPENDENCE,
43 74 77 102 113 165 176 233
262 267 277 314 377 386 387
391 402
TENSILE PROPERTIES, 7 15 16
21 24 30 33 34 38 40 42 45 46
48 57 58 64 70 73 75 76 77 79
83 90 98 99 115 123 134 136
141 142 144 146 148 149 153
161 163 164 184 185 191 196
199 205 206 208 209 211 215
220 228 237 249 256 262 269
270 272 273 274 279 290 295
305 326 327 338 340 350 351
356 360 364 373 388 389 397
403 404 413 414 416
TEST, 9 13 22 29 30 31 37 39 63
70 71 72 83 100 109 122 123
134 138 200 242 252 269 273
275 290 298 299 302 304 305
308 315 325 335 338 349 351
364 373 376 377 378 386 387
388 390 391 395 397 403 404
413 417 418
TESTING, 101 141 256 303 418
TETRAHYDROFURAN, 70 170
279
THERMAL ANALYSIS, 6 21 39
41 52 107 132 156 188 253 277
316 318 322
THERMAL DEGRADATION, 24
42 48 52 64 70 84 102 127 131
146 168 182 185 192 196 214
246 254 257 264 271 284 290
300 308 340 342
THERMAL EXPANSION, 7 24
140 254 377
THERMAL EXPANSION
COEFFICIENT, 6 15 28 181
242 254 263 266 273 279 337
346 377 410
THERMAL PROPERTIES, 2 4 7 9
24 25 28 35 36 39 41 45 47 50 58
65 66 67 82 83 88 91 93 94 96 97
101 106 110 114 120 131 136
137 140 141 144 145 146 148
155 156 159 175 179 180 182
184 189 192 198 199 204 205
210 212 214 242 248 254 261
161
Subject Index
266 269 271 273 279 284 288

289 299 307 311 313 314 315
316 325 335 338 340 349 363
366 375 376 377 380 383 384
388 391 393 404 405 409 410
411 414
THERMAL STABILITY, 3 20 24 28
36 42 47 55 64 97 101 105 107
110 118 136 140 141 146 153
155 156 159 166 168 170 172
178 185 195 204 212 214 220
254 263 269 284 303 311 314
316 337 340 346 357 359 361
389 396
THERMOGRAVIMETRIC
ANALYSIS, 7 18 28 31 36 38 39
48 60 64 70 71 84 95 97 100 102
107 110 118 123 132 136 141
148 153 155 159 166 167 168
170 178 185 189 196 199 204
209 212 214 215 219 220 224
239 242 246 247 253 254 261
264 269 274 284 289 299 304
314 315 316 318 322 325 340
342 361 363 364 366 389 396
411
THERMOMECHANICAL
ANALYSIS, 254 314
THERMOMECHANICAL
PROPERTIES, 130 314
THERMOOXIDATION, 127 192
264
THERMOOXIDATIVE
STABILITY, 110 196
THERMOPLASTIC ELASTOMER,
15 20
THERMOSET, 2 5 21 22 24 26 28
30 34 39 61 83 95 96 100 101
106 107 111 112 116 118 119 130
131 133 136 137 143 146 148
157 159 172 183 184 185 193
200 201 206 225 238 240 241
242 246 249 250 253 255 258
261 262 263 266 273 275 277
278 279 281 283 291 292 294
298 307 312 313 329 335 337
340 342 346 347 356 360 364
366 387 388 395 400 403 405
406 407
THICKNESS, 16 101 250 294 332
382
THIN FILM, 185 248 310 382 408
THIN-WALL, 20
TOLUENE, 101 216 231 396 397
TOLUENE DIISOCYANATE, 95
225
TOUGHNESS, 24 254 263 278 337
346 355 356
162
TRANSITION PHENOMENA, 111

112 113 268 311
TRANSLUCENCY, 199
TRANSMISSION ELECTRON
MICROSCOPY, 1 4 7 8 14 15 19
21 25 26 30 31 33 34 36 38 39 46
47 49 50 52 54 55 62 63 64 66 70
85 89 93 102 107 117 118 123
124 126 130 131 132 134 136
141 142 148 149 151 153 155
158 160 161 165 167 169 170
174 178 183 185 192 193 195
199 201 204 206 207 208 211
217 218 219 220 222 226 228
231 237 240 241 242 248 249
254 258 260 261 263 266 269
274 283 286 287 288 289 290
294 296 297 298 299 300 302
303 307 309 314 319 321 322
323 325 326 330 335 336 341
342 347 350 351 359 360 361
362 363 370 374 386 390 395
399 400 403 405 407 415 416
TRANSPARENCY, 2 24 55 83 118
254 346 410
TRANSPORT PROPERTIES, 32
106 144 154 176 348
TWIN-SCREW EXTRUDER, 22 79
80 149 173 197 208 228 288 294
TWO-DIMENSIONAL, 115 332
398 401 408
VINYL ALCOHOL
COPOLYMER, 126
VINYL CARBAZOLE, 361
VINYL CHLORIDE, 18
VISCOELASTIC PROPERTIES,
8 23 95 133 183 212 257 260
262 273 293 313 315 316 317
378
VISCOSITY, 5 7 14 23 34 45 52
63 69 111 115 117 121 150 153
195 198 211 218 226 257 268
277 307 321 376 419
VISIBLE SPECTROSCOPY, 34
55 170
VOLUME FRACTION, 24 31 63
72 122 138 144 241 242 273
282 305 316
ULTRASONIC, 126 392

UNSATURATED POLYESTER,
21 24 34 146 307 360 379
UV SPECTROSCOPY, 34 40 55
170 214 224 318
UV STABILITY, 214 230
UV VIS SPECTROSCOPY, 34 55
170
WATER ABSORPTION, 20 25 197

237 242 304 326 410
WATER CONTENT, 239 344
WATER PERMEABILITY, 32 412
WATER RESISTANCE, 79 83
WATER SOLUBLE, 27 29
WATER VAPOUR, 106 377
WATER VAPOUR
PERMEABILITY, 79 154 171
270 398
WATER VAPOUR
TRANSMISSION, 32
WEAR RESISTANCE, 5 34 42
WIDE ANGLE, 26 30 39 50 100
106 108 117 158 170 184 217
242 246 305 383
WIDE ANGLE X-RAY
SCATTERING, 7 8 60 64 85
149 157 207 210 211 215 216
221 222 233 238 249 254 262
268
VAPOUR PERMEABILITY, 79
154 171 270
VAPOUR TRANSMISSION, 32
VEHICLE INTERIOR, 230
VEHICLE MIRROR, 144
VEHICLE SHELL, 53
VERMICULITE, 224 318
VIBRATIONAL
SPECTROSCOPY, 84 131 212
315 340 341 343
VINYL ACETATE-ETHYLENE
COPOLYMER, 182 192
X-RAY PHOTOELECTRON
SPECTROSCOPY, 13 267
Y
YIELD STRENGTH, 185 211 351
YIELD STRESS, 69 106 121 149
244 256
YOUNGS MODULUS, 15 24 42
46 76 90 106 115 135 141 144
149 197 211 249 266 340 377
383
Company Index
Company Index
TECHNOLOGY &
ECONOMICS, 82 187
A
AIST, 120
AKRON,UNIVERSITY, 11 18 30
73 77 92 108 117 194 228 233
246 321
ALBERT-LUDWIGS,
UNIVERSITY, 96 149 264 287
309 325 334 355 370
ALBERTA,UNIVERSITY, 344
ANHUI,UNIVERSITY, 119
ANKARA,MIDDLE EAST
TECHNICAL UNIVERSITY,
21
ARGONNE NATIONAL
LABORATORY, 365
ASPEN SYSTEMS, 255
ATHENS,DEMOCRITOS
NATIONAL RESEARCH
CENTRE, 331
AUSTIN,UNIVERSITY OF
TEXAS, 288
AUSTRALIA,CSIRO, 71
AVERY RESEARCH CENTER,
146
B
BARCELONA,UNIVERSITY, 189
BASF AG, 16
BAYREUTH,UNIVERSITY, 16
BEIJING,INSTITUTE OF
CHEMISTRY, 208 215 265 337
350 351
BEIJING,RESEARCH
INSTITUTE OF PETROLEUM
PROCESSING, 251
BEIJING,UNIVERSITY OF
CHEMICAL TECHNOLOGY,
107 251 296 297
BELFAST,QUEENS
UNIVERSITY, 7 75
BELGIUM,CENTRE DE
RECHERCHES EN
SCIENCES DE MATERIAUX
POLYMERES, 152
BELL HELICOPTER TEXTRON
INC., 201
BOGAZICI,UNIVERSITY, 250
373
BROOKLYN,POLYTECHNIC
UNIVERSITY, 13 104
BUDAPEST,INSTITUTE OF
CHEMISTRY, 82
BUDAPEST,UNIVERSITY OF
CSIC, 189 223 349

CSIRO, 137 139 328
CALCUTTA,PRESIDENCY
COLLEGE, 306 336 361
CALIFORNIA,STATE
UNIVERSITY, 57
CAMPINAS,UNIVERSIDADE, 1
CANADA,NATIONAL
RESEARCH COUNCIL, 44 90
91 213
CARNEGIE-MELLON
UNIVERSITY, 23 122 153 167
195 252 257 291 333
CASE WESTERN RESERVE
UNIVERSITY, 175 213 300
348 362 390
CHANGCHUN,INSTITUTE OF
APPLIED CHEMISTRY, 65
CHINA,UNIVERSITY OF
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY,
225
CHINESE ACADEMY OF
SCIENCES, 25 180 237 281
346 363
CHONBUK,NATIONAL
UNIVERSITY, 109
CHONNAM,NATIONAL
UNIVERSITY, 218
CHULALONGKORN,
UNIVERSITY, 242
CHUNG YUAN UNIVERSITY, 47
170 253 261
CHUNGNAM,NATIONAL
UNIVERSITY, 109
CIDAUT, 4
CINCINNATI,UNIVERSITY, 103
123 216 220
CNR, 367
CNRS, 68
CO-OP CHEMICAL CO.LTD., 379
391
CONNECTICUT,UNIVERSITY,
256
COPERION CORP., 80
COPERION WERNER &
PFLEIDERER GMBH &
CO.KG, 22
CORNELL UNIVERSITY, 8 14
130 235 285 303 304 314 329
359 360 378 384 386 393 394
396 398 402 405 408 409
CRESMAP, 31 62 88 124
DANKOOK,UNIVERSITY, 198
DAYTON,UNIVERSITY, 26 28
DENMARK,TECHNICAL
UNIVERSITY, 121
DOW AUTOMOTIVE, 278
DOW CHEMICAL CO., 164 181
278
DRESDEN,INSTITUTE OF
POLYMER RESEARCH, 87
DU PONT DE NEMOURS E.I.,&
CO.INC., 384
DUPONT CANADA INC., 324
E
EASTERN
MICHIGAN,UNIVERSITY, 34
EINDHOVEN,UNIVERSITY OF
TECHNOLOGY, 287 309
EMS CHEMIE AG, 309 311 370
EQUISTAR CHEMICALS LP, 103
ETH ZURICH, 241
EXXON RESEARCH &
ENGINEERING CO., 343
EXXONMOBIL CHEMICAL CO.,
94
F
FORD MOTOR CO., 53
FREIBURG
MATERIALSFORSCHUNGSZENTRUM, 231
FREIBURG,INSTITUT FUR
MAKROMOLEKULARE
CHEMIE, 319
FREIBURG,UNIVERSITY, 51 311
344
FREIBURGER
MATERIALFORSCHUNGSZENTRUM, 182 192 264 309
319 334
FUDAN,UNIVERSITY, 34
FUKUI,UNIVERSITY, 375 380
383
G
GE CORPORATE R & D, 135
163
Company Index
GENERAL ELECTRIC CO., 381

GENERAL MOTORS CORP., 230
GENOA,UNIVERSITY, 150
GENOVAISTITUTO DI STUDI
CHIMICO-FISICI DI
MACROMOL.SINT.E NAT.,
127
GKSS-RESEARCH CENTRE, 1
GREAT LAKES CHEMICAL
CORP., 52
H
HALLE,MARTIN-LUTHERUNIVERSITAT, 287 309 311
355
HAN YANG,UNIVERSITY, 46
HANGZHOU,ZHEJIANG
UNIVERSITY, 281
HANNAM,UNIVERSITY, 66 94
134
HANOI,INSTITUTE OF
CHEMISTRY, 216
HANSE CHEMIE AG, 5
HEBEI,UNIVERSITY OF
TECHNOLOGY, 49 161
HEILONGJIANG,ACADEMY OF
SCIENCES, 344
HOECHST CORP., 348
HOKKAIDO,UNIVERSITY, 358
368 369
HONEYWELL
INTERNATIONAL INC., 232
HOUSTON,UNIVERSITY, 133
210 317
HUAQIAO,UNIVERSITY, 259
330 341
HUNG-KUANG,UNIVERSITY, 2
HUNGARIAN ACADEMY OF
SCIENCES, 187
HYBRID PLASTICS, 173 313
HYPERLAST LTD., 184
I
I-SHOU UNIVERSITY, 138 254
ICI INDIA LTD., 343
ILLINOIS,NORTHWESTERN
UNIVERSITY, 387
ILLINOIS,UNIVERSITY, 352
INDIA,NATIONAL CHEMICAL
LABORATORY, 97 268
INDIAN INSTITUTE OF
TECHNOLOGY, 33 224 318
343
INHA,UNIVERSITY, 23 69 122
142 153 167 195 243 252 257
267 291 333 340 366 376 389
164
INONU,UNIVERSITY, 392
INSTITUT NATIONAL DES
SCIENCES APPLIQUEES,
238
INSTITUTO DE CIENCIA DE
MATERIALES, 417
INSTITUTO DE CIENCIA Y
TECNOLOGIA DE
POLIMEROS, 24
IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY, 12
ISRAEL PLASTICS & RUBBER
CENTER, 74
J
JERUSALEM,HEBREW
UNIVERSITY, 13
K
KABELWERK EUPEN AG, 101
156 186
KAISERSLAUTERN,
UNIVERSITY, 349
KANGWON,NATIONAL
UNIVERSITY, 206
KARACHI,UNIVERSITY, 260
KINGSTON,QUEENS
UNIVERSITY, 45 115
KOREA,ADVANCED
INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE &
134 219 226 244 245 294 298
307 357
KOREA,INSTITUTE OF
MACHINERY &
MATERIALS, 109
KOREA,KANGWEON
NATIONAL UNIVERSITY,
269
KOREA,UNIVERSITY, 69 243
267
KUMOH,NATIONAL
UNIVERSITY OF
199 200 206 269
KWANGJU,INSTITUTE OF
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY,
245
KYOTO,UNIVERSITY, 89 399
400
KYUNG HEE,UNIVERSITY, 46
KYUNGPOOK,NATIONAL
UNIVERSITY, 287
KYUSHU,NATIONAL
INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH
INSTITUTE, 286 323
L
LABORATOIRE DE
PHYSICOCHIMIE
STRUCT.ET MACROMOL.,
250
LAUSANNE,ECOLE
POLYTECHNIQUE
FEDERALE, 174
LG CHEMICALS LTD., 10 43
LIEGE,CENTER FOR
EDUCATION & RESEARCH
ON MACROMOLECULES, 62
LIEGE,UNIVERSITY, 31 60 88
102 124 141 152 164
LONDON,IMPERIAL COLLEGE
OF SCIENCE,TECHNOL.&
MED., 72
LOUGHBOROUGH,
UNIVERSITY, 184 209
LULEA,UNIVERSITY OF
TECHNOLOGY, 25 65 96 129
147 162 177 179 193 208 237
283 360
M
MAHIDOL UNIVERSITY, 320
MARQUETTE,UNIVERSITY, 35
36 70 104 155 169 178 204 214
276
MARYLAND,UNIVERSITY, 151
MASSACHUSETTS,
UNIVERSITY, 58 92 116 157
159 196 249 255 332
MCGILL UNIVERSITY, 91
MERS LLC, 61
MICHIGAN,STATE
356 364 388 395 403 406 407
MICHIGAN,UNIVERSITY, 172
236 242 262
MILANOBICOCCA,UNIVERSITA
DEGLI STUDI, 150
MINAS
GERAIS,UNIVERSIDADE
FEDERAL, 236
MISSISSIPPI,STATE
UNIVERSITY, 183
MISSISSIPPI,STENNIS SPACE
CENTER, 183
MONASH,UNIVERSITY, 71 137
139
MONS HAINAUT,UNIVERSITY,
17 31 60 62 88 110 124 141 152
MONS,UNIVERSITY, 102
MONTPELLIER,UNIVERSITY,
Company Index
401
MONTREAL,ECOLE
POLYTECHNIQUE, 44
MOSCOW,KARPOV INSTITUTE
OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY,
191
MOSCOW,STATE UNIVERSITY,
354
N
NAGOYA,UNIVERSITY, 418
NANCY,UNIVERSITE HENRI
POINCARE, 238
NANOCOR, 4 95
NANYA,INSTITUTE OF
TECHNOLOGY, 170
NAPLES,INSTITUTE OF
COMPOSITE MATERIALS &
BIOMATERIALS, 3
NAPOLI,UNIVERSITA
FEDERICO II, 3
NASA LANGLEY RESEARCH
CENTER, 185
NATIONAL CHIAO TUNG
UNIVERSITY, 221 335
NATIONAL RESEARCH
COUNCIL OF CANADA, 121
NEW YORK,BARD HALL, 316
NEW YORK,QUEENS
COLLEGE, 66
NEW YORK,STATE
282 397
NEW YORK,UNION COLLEGE
SCHENECTADY, 371
NORTH TEXAS,UNIVERSITY,
98 99 145 201
NORTHERN
ARIZONA,UNIVERSITY, 371
NOTTINGHAM,TRENT
UNIVERSITY, 86
NOVA CHEMICALS LTD., 344
O
OHIO,STATE UNIVERSITY, 78
197 240
OHIO,UNIVERSITY, 144
OREGON UNIVERSITY, 411
OREGON,STATE UNIVERSITY,
239
P
PAIS VASCO,UNIVERSIDAD,
223
PALERMO,UNIVERSITY, 40
PENNSYLVANIA,STATE
UNIVERSITY, 56 171 176 205
270 299 303
PENNSYLVANIA,UNIVERSITY,
59
PIRELLI CAVI E SISTEMI SPA,
308
PISA,UNIVERSITY, 106 154 367
POLISH ACADEMY OF
SCIENCES, 110
POLYMER CHEMISTRY
INNOVATIONS INC., 171
POLYMER COMPOSITES, 1
PUNE,NATIONAL CHEMICAL
LABORATORY, 6 67 271
PUSAN,NATIONAL
UNIVERSITY, 49 83 161
Q
QUEBEC,UNIVERSITE LAVAL,
95
QUEENSLAND
MANUFACTURING
INSTITUTE, 112
QUEENSLAND,UNIVERSITY,
112 113
R
RAYTHEON ELECTRONIC
SYSTEMS CO., 28
RHODIA RECHERCHES, 238
ROBINSON D.B.,RESEARCH
LTD., 344
RUSSIAN ACADEMY OF
SCIENCES, 190 354
S
SALERNO,UNIVERSITY, 17 106
154
SAO PAULO,UNIVERSITY, 332
SASSARI,UNIVERSITY, 150
SEOUL,NATIONAL
UNIVERSITY, 10 168 218 260
292
SHANGHAI,JIAO TONG
263 289 337 346
SINGAPORE,INSTITUTE OF
MATERIALS RESEARCH &
ENGINEERING, 41
SOGANG,UNIVERSITY, 198
SOLUTIA INC., 92 194
SOLVAY ENGINEERING
POLYMERS, 98
SOUTH CHINA,UNIVERSITY
OF TECHNOLOGY, 322
SOUTHERN
CALIFORNIA,UNIVERSITY,
146
SOUTHERN CLAY PRODUCTS
INC., 76 85 114 228 338
SOUTHERN
MISSISSIPPI,UNIVERSITY,
27 29 135 155 229 274
SOUTHWEST TEXAS,STATE
UNIVERSITY, 275
ST.LOUIS,MISSOURI BAPTIST
COLLEGE, 234
STONY BROOK,STATE
UNIVERSITY, 188
SUNG KYUN KWAN
UNIVERSITY, 292
SUWON,UNIVERSITY, 298
SWEDEN,INSTITUTE FOR
PACKAGING AND
DISTRIBUTION, 32
SWEDEN,ROYAL INSTITUTE
OF TECHNOLOGY, 32
T
TAIWAN,NATIONAL CHENG
KUNG UNIVERSITY, 140
TAIWAN,NATIONAL CHIAO
TUNG UNIVERSITY, 119 128
131 207 222 248 266 272 279
290 326 342
TAIWAN,NATIONAL CHUNGHSING UNIVERSITY, 160 207
TAIWAN,NATIONAL TSING
HUA UNIVERSITY, 2 118 261
TAIWAN,SYNCHROTRON
RADIATION RESEARCH
CENTRE, 207 222
TANTA,UNIVERSITY, 345 390
TATUNG,UNIVERSITY, 254
TECHNION-ISRAEL INSTITUTE
OF TECHNOLOGY, 126 166
TEXAS,UNIVERSITY, 228 310
TEXAS,UNIVERSITY AT
AUSTIN, 85 111 211
TIANJIN,UNIVERSITY, 259 330
341
TILAB, 127
TNO-TPD, 347
TOKYO BOSEKI KK, 379
TOKYO,INSTITUTE OF
TECHNOLOGY, 305
TORINO,UNIVERSITA, 127 169
182 264 308
TOYOBO CO.LTD., 391
TOYOHASHI,UNIVERSITY, 212
165
Company Index
273 315
TOYOTA CENTRAL R & D
LABORATORIES INC., 89 93
158 163 227 295 302 327 372
374 377 385 399 400 404 410
412 413 414 415 416
TOYOTA TECHNOLOGICAL
INSTITUTE, 9 50 54 81 89 93
158 165 227 280 286 323
TRITON SYSTEMS INC., 76 79
284
TURIN,UNIVERSITY, 192
TUSKEGEE,UNIVERSITY, 28 39
100
U
UKRAINE,NATIONAL
ACADEMY OF SCIENCES,
349
ULSAN,UNIVERSITY, 83
UNION CHEMICAL
LABORATORIES, 253
UNITIKA LTD., 9 50 54 81 165
301
UNITIKA R & D CENTER, 358
US,AIR FORCE RESEARCH
285 303 312 321
US,AIR FORCE,WRIGHTPATTERSON BASE, 26 28 117
125 143 144 210 217 277 282
402
US,ARMY, 338
US,ARMY RESEARCH
US,ARMY SOLDIER &
166
BIOLOGICAL CHEMICAL
COMMAND, 76
US,EDWARDS AIR FORCE
BASE, 173
US,NASA,GLENN RESEARCH
CENTER, 100
US,NATIONAL INST.OF
STANDARDS &
TECHNOLOGY, 52 84 101 105
169 178 202 203 204 258 276
293 303
US,NAVAL ACADEMY, 105
US,NAVAL RESEARCH
LABORATORY, 105
UTAH,UNIVERSITY, 256
V
VALLADOLID,UNIVERSIDAD,
4
VANTICO AG, 96
VENEZUELA,UNIVERSIDAD
CENTRAL, 367
X
XIAMEN,UNIVERSITY, 341
Y
YAMAGATA,UNIVERSITY, 183
YEUNGNAM,UNIVERSITY, 64
123 220
YOKOHAMA TIRE CORP., 216
YUAN ZE,UNIVERSITY, 138
Z
ZAOZHUANG NORMAL
COLLEGE, 322
ZHEJIANG,UNIVERSITY, 279
ZLIN,TOMAS BATA
UNIVERSITY, 42
W
WASEDA,UNIVERSITY, 353
WESTERN
KENTUCKY,UNIVERSITY, 47
WESTERN
ONTARIO,UNIVERSITY, 16
WILLIAMSBURG,COLLEGE OF
WILLIAM & MARY, 185
WISCONSINMADISON,UNIVERSITY, 14
382
WUHAN,UNIVERSITY OF
TECHNOLOGY, 339
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RAPRA REVIEW REPORTS

A Rapra Review Report comprises three sections, as follows:

33, No.6, 21st March 2000, p.2171-83

DOCUMENT DELIVERY SERVICE

RAPRA REVIEW REPORTS VOLUME 14

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Previous Titles Still Available

Advanced Composites, D.K. Thomas, RAE, Farnborough.

Liquid Crystal Polymers, M.K. Cox, ICI, Wilton.

Polymers in Aerospace Applications, W.W. Wright,

CAD/CAM in the Polymer Industry, N.W. Sandland

Polymers in Chemically Resistant Applications,

Engineering Thermoplastics, I.T. Barrie, Consultant.

Failure of Plastics, S. Turner, Queen Mary College.

Communications Applications of Polymers,

Polycarbonates, R. Pakull, U. Grigo, D. Freitag, Bayer

Process Control in the Plastics Industry,

Polymeric Materials from Renewable Resources,

Flammability and Flame Retardants in Plastics,

Injection Moulding of Engineering Thermoplastics,

Composites - Tooling and Component Processing,

Polymers and Their Uses in the Sports and Leisure

Quality Today in Polymer Processing, S.H. Coulson,

Polyurethane, Materials, Processing and

Chemical Analysis of Polymers, G. Lawson, Leicester

Polyetheretherketone, D.J. Kemmish, ICI, Wilton.

Extrusion, G.M. Gale, Rapra Technology Ltd.

Agricultural and Horticultural Applications of

Blends and Alloys of Engineering Thermoplastics,

Recycling and Disposal of Plastics Packaging,

Automotive Applications of Polymers II,

Pultrusion, L. Hollaway, University of Surrey.

Biomedical Applications of Polymers, C.G. Gebelein,

Materials Handling in the Polymer Industry,

Polymer Supported Chemical Reactions, P. Hodge,

Electronics Applications of Polymers, M.T.Goosey,

Weathering of Polymers, S.M. Halliwell, Building

Offshore Applications of Polymers, J.W.Brockbank,

Health and Safety in the Rubber Industry, A.R. Nutt,

Recent Developments in Materials for Food

Computer Modelling of Polymer Processing,

Plastics in High Temperature Applications,

Joining of Plastics, K.W. Allen, City University.

Physical Testing of Rubber, R.P. Brown, Rapra

Polyimides - Materials, Processing and Applications,

Foams and Blowing Agents, J.M. Methven, Cellcom

Polymers and Structural Composites in Civil

Injection Moulding of Rubber, M.A. Wheelans,

Adhesives for Structural and Engineering

Polymers in Marine Applications, C.F.Britton,

Non-destructive Testing of Polymers, W.N. Reynolds,

Food Contact Polymeric Materials, J.A. Sidwell,

Silicone Rubbers, B.R. Trego and H.W.Winnan,

Coextrusion, D. Djordjevic, Klckner ER-WE-PA GmbH.

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