Layered-Clay-Skeleton Initiated Epoxy Polymerization and Formation of Unique Silicate/Polymer Hybrid Assemblies

摘要

The fabrication of nanomaterials, including nano-wires, -rods, - belts, -balls and -tubes have been widely reported, but still remains a challenging task. It is also well-known that the presence of inorganic silicates in organic polymers may reinforce the composite's properties. Among many inorganic fillers, layered silicate clays such as montmorillonite (MMT) and fluorinated mica (Mica) have been intensively studied in preparing nanocomposites. The naturally occurring layered silicates are conventionally applied in catalysts, and metal chelating agents. For utilizing these silicate clays, generally,organic onium salts have been incorporated into the layered structure, including ammonium, pyridinium, and phosphonium salts. Furthermore, the inorganic clay salts may be used as catalysts, such as zeolite, Mangesium/aluminum synthetic anionic clay, and modified MMT clay. Again, the naturally occurring clays are of hydrophilic character and require a modification by intercalating with amino acids, alkylammonium or phosphonium salts to become organically compatible. The modified clays are actually organically encapsulated with a widened interlayer spacing up to 30.