Fine dispersion or full exfoliation of nanoparticles in polymer matrices is one of the most important factors to fabricate high-performance polymer nanocomposites. In this presentation, we have demonstrated that clay nanoplatelets can be used as template or substrate for the growth of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) via chemical vapor deposition approach, thus constructing clay@CNT nanohybrids. The clay@CNT hybrid nanofillers are easily dispersed in polymer matrices (e.g., nylon 6) via simple melt compounding, thus achieving the synergistic dispersion of both clay nanoplatelets and carbon nanotubes. Moreover, clay nanoplatelets can also be used as effective stabilizer to realize homogeneous and stable dispersion of carbon nanomaterials (e.g., graphene) in aqueous media by forming clay@graphene complex or hybrid through various physical interactions (such as hydrogen bonding, electrostatic interaction). The clay@graphene hybrid nanofillers thus prepared are prone to be synergistically dispersed in different media or polymer matrices for fabricating high-performance polymer nanocomposites.

Clay-assisted, synergistic dispersion of carbon nanomaterials in polymer composites

251st National Meeting (2016)

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