Crystallinity and Chain Conformation in PEO/Layered Silicate Nanocomposites

The polymer chain conformation under confinement and the morphology of the nanohybrid materials are investigated in hydrophilic polymer/layered silicate nanocomposites. A series of poly(ethylene oxide)/sodium montmorillonite hybrids were synthesized utilizing melt intercalation with compositions cov...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Macromolecules 2011-12, Vol.44 (24), p.9710-9722
Main Authors: Chrissopoulou, K., Andrikopoulos, K. S., Fotiadou, S., Bollas, S., Karageorgaki, C., Christofilos, D., Voyiatzis, G. A., Anastasiadis, S. H.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Composites
Exact sciences and technology
Forms of application and semi-finished materials
Polymer industry, paints, wood
Technology of polymers
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Summary:The polymer chain conformation under confinement and the morphology of the nanohybrid materials are investigated in hydrophilic polymer/layered silicate nanocomposites. A series of poly(ethylene oxide)/sodium montmorillonite hybrids were synthesized utilizing melt intercalation with compositions covering the complete range from pure polymer to pure clay. Intercalated nanocomposites with mono- and bilayers of PEO chains are obtained in all cases. The intercalated chains as well as the ones adsorbed on the outer surface of the clay particles remain purely amorphous; their conformation, however, exhibits different characteristics from those of the amorphous neat polymer melt. It is only for compositions where a large amount of excess polymer exists outside the completely full galleries that the polymer crystallinity is recovered.
ISSN:0024-9297
1520-5835
DOI:10.1021/ma201711r