Polymer/montmorillonite nanocomposites with improved thermal properties: Part I.Factors influencing thermal stability and mechanisms of thermal stabilityimprovement.

摘要

The results of recent research indicate that the introduction of layeredsilicate – montmorillonite – into polymer matrix results in increase of thermalstability of a number of polymer nanocomposites. Due to characteristic structureof layers in polymer matrix and nanoscopic dimensions of filler particles,several effects have been observed that can explain the changes in thermalproperties. The level of surface activity may be directly influenced by themechanical interfacial adhesion or thermal stability of organic compound used tomodify montmorillonite. Thus, increasing the thermal stability ofmontmorillonite and resultant nanocomposites is one of the key points in thesuccessful technical application of polymer–clay nanocomposites on theindustrial scale. Basing on most recent research, this work presents a detailedexamination of factors influencing thermal stability, including the role ofchemical constitution of organic modifier, composition and structure ofnanocomposites, and mechanisms of improvement of thermal stability in polymer/montmorillonite nanocompo