[share_ebook] Barrier Properties of Polymer Clay Nanocomposites

Polymer nanocomposites are organic-inorganic hybrids where the high aspect ratio inorganic filler can be delaminated in the organic matrix at the nanometer scale, thus leading to significant enhancement of composite properties at very low filler volume fractions. With the advancement of polymer nanocomposites technology, significant enhancements in mechanical and thermal properties of the composites could be achieved. However, other important properties like gas barrier properties, which form an absolutely necessary requirement for the use of materials in packaging and storage applications, were relatively neglected.

This thesis investigates the early ignition behavior of polymer/clay nanocomposites, which are perceived as potential eco-friendly flame retardant systems. It examines the correlation between clay structural chemistry and high-temperature transformations with clay-assisted decomposition of organic macromolecules. In particular, it investigates the unique effects of metal ions like Mg2+, Al3+ and Fe3+ that are inherent in clays (smectite) on the combustion and thermo-oxidative decomposition of polyamide 6. The results indicate that metal ions present on/in montmorillonite platelets have preferential reactivity towards peroxy/alkoxy groups during polyamide 6 thermal decomposition. Lastly, a simple solution in the form of a physical coating on clay surface is proposed, based on the role of polymer–clay interfacial interaction.

This thesis investigates the early ignition behavior of polymer/clay nanocomposites, which are perceived as potential eco-friendly flame retardant systems. It examines the correlation between clay structural chemistry and high-temperature transformations with clay-assisted decomposition of organic macromolecules. In particular, it investigates the unique effects of metal ions like Mg2+, Al3+ and Fe3+ that are inherent in clays (smectite) on the combustion and thermo-oxidative decomposition of polyamide 6. The results indicate that metal ions present on/in montmorillonite platelets have preferential reactivity towards peroxy/alkoxy groups during polyamide 6 thermal decomposition. Lastly, a simple solution in the form of a physical coating on clay surface is proposed, based on the role of polymer–clay interfacial interaction.

Processing of polymer nanocomposites usually requires special attention since the resultant structure—micro- and nano-level, is directly influenced by among other factors, polymer/nano-additive chemistry and the processing strategy. This book consolidates knowledge, from fundamental to product development, on polymer nanocomposites processing with special emphasis on the processing-structure-property-performance relationships in a wide range of polymer nanocomposites. Furthermore, this book focuses on emerging processing technologies such as electrospinning, which has very exciting applications ranging from medical to filtration.