Introduction: from clay mineral--polymer interactions to clay mineral--polymer nanocomposites

摘要

Clay mineral--polymer nanocomposites are hybrids which exhibit a change in composition and structure over the scale of nanometers. Because of their high aspect ratio layered silicates such as 2:1 clay minerals, hydrous alkali silicates and crystalline silicic acids are the most important reinforcing phases for engineering polymers. Clay mineral--polymer complexes can be prepared in several ways. However, true nanocomposites are only obtained by methods which overcome the tendency of the silicate layers to form the--face aggregates. A serious obstacle in reinforcing engineering polymers by delaminated silicates is the incompatibility between the silicate layers and many polymers. A decisive step is, therefore, the appropriate modification of the external and internal surfaces of the silicates. Processing of clay minerals with melted polymers and intercalative polymerization are the most promising ways to prepare nanocomposites.