We describe an approach to tune pore size and wettability of microporous films derived from cocontinuous blends by three methods; selective localization of clay nanofiller at domain interfaces, reactive compatibilization, and the synergistic action of the two. Non-functional polyethylene (PE) and maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene (PE-g-MA) were blended with polyethylene oxide (PEO) and nanoclays with various organic modifications. Solvent extraction of PEO yields microporous structure, which can be applied as battery separators or support layers for gas separation membranes. Blending nanoclays with PE and PEO resulted in interfacial stabilization and suppressed coarsening similar to that achieved with reactive compatibilization (Trifkovic et al., Macromolecules, 2012). The synergistic effect of clay compatibilization combined with interfacial graft copolymer reactions between PE-g-MA and PEO served to stabilize blends better than either method applied independently, and also improved the water wettability of the final films. TEM micrographs showed clay to be located in PE and at the interface between PE and PEO which reduced the interfacial energy and consequently resulted in smaller characteristic sizes. The overall size reduction and pore size distribution depended on the extent of interfacial reaction, location and exfoliation of the clay which was influenced by the organic modifiers of the clay.

Controlling pore size and wettability of microporous films derived from cocontinuous blends via selective localization of nanoclay

248th National Meeting (2014)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.