The Application of Trialkyl-ImidazoliumIonic Liquids and Salts for the Preparationof Polymer-Clay Nanocomposites.

摘要

Increasing the thermal stability of organically modified layered silicates (clays) is essential for the application of polymer-clay nanocomposites on the industrial scale. Trialkyl-imidazolium ionic liquids and salts were investigated as more thermally stable alternatives to the current alkyl ammonium clay treatments. Imidazolium treated montmorillonite clays were prepared by ion exchange and their thermal stabilities and structural properties evaluated Tri-imidazolium treated clays were also melt blended with polystyrene (PS) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) to form nanocomposites. Results showed that the imidazolium treated clays have significantly higher thermal stabilities than current/clay treatments, and they exhibit excellent compatibility with PS and PET.