Nanocomposites of layered silicates have been prepared by a simple process with excellent dispersion and very substantial exfoliation in new, water-self-dispersible ionomers of ethylene/methacrylic acid copolymer. The quaternary ammonium salts that can degrade and discolour during processing are not required for exfoliation. With platelets of a synthetic, 2:1 layered hydrous magnesium lithium silicate (Laponite�, a �synthetic hectorite�), nanocomposite clarity is excellent. Haze and yellowness index are only very slightly affected. Excellent morphology can be obtained at least up to 30 wt % filler. The ionomer's mechanical and thermal properties are substantially improved, especially tensile modulus, storage and loss modulus (DMA), and creep. This approach has been successfully extended to a range of well-known nanofillers, rod-shaped, platy, and spherical.

Synthesis and properties of novel ionomer nanocomposites without quaternary ammonium salts or surface functionalization

247th National Meeting (2014)

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