Polymer-layered silicate nanocomposite materials: Morphological studies and potential applications.

摘要

Polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites, materials where layered silicates are molecularly dispersed in suitable polymer matrices, are of both scientific and commercial significance. The dramatic enhancements in tensile strength, heat and solvent resistance, as well as the decrease in gas permeability of the neat polymer matrix that can be achieved through the incorporation of small amounts of a suitable layered silicate are intricately linked to the nanocomposite morphology. In the current work, the morphological behavior of nanocomposite materials has been investigated by the fabrication and extensive characterization of a series of model experimental systems. The results from the experimental systems that were developed based on one of the theoretical models for morphology prediction in nanocomposites, provide useful insight into controlling nanocomposite morphology by tailoring various system parameters.; The unique properties of nanocomposites also make them promising materials for use as electrolytes in lithium polymer batteries. Though an all-solid-state lithium polymer battery is attractive due to characteristics such as low safety risks in comparison with the conventional systems that contain liquid electrolytes, several challenges related to materials design have to be overcome in order to create materials that have good mechanical properties. Our work focuses on the development of a new class of nanocomposite electrolytes where the incorporation of lithium cation-exchanged nanoscale clay sheets into a suitable polymer matrix is expected to impart the inherent favorable characteristics of nanocomposites to the electrolyte. Additionally, this modification is expected to substantially eliminate the need for lithium salt dopants that are currently used to achieve significant conductivities and form what are essentially single-ion conductors. Extensive characterization of these electrolytes showed that properties were strongly dependent on nanocomposite morphology. Results for the strategies developed for controlling morphology and hence electrolyte properties, through the use of appropriate organic silicate modifying are also reported.; The current body of work provides an insight into the underlying factors that influence nanocomposite morphology and also provides guidelines to control morphology through the intelligent design of components and choice of system parameters. Suggestions are made for future work that would further the understanding of these complex hybrid materials and extend their applications.