Polymer/clay nanocomposites based on MMT/ODA intercalates

• Published in: Composite interfaces 2002-01, Vol.9 (6), p.529-540
• Main Authors: Merinska, D., Malac, Z., Pospisil, M., Weiss, Z., Chmielova, M., Capkova, P., Simonik, J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: montmorillonite; octadecylamine; Polymer nanocomposite; polypropylene
• ISSN: 0927-6440; 1568-5543
• DOI: 10.1163/15685540260494100

Natural Na-montmorillonite (MMT) with the formula (Na 0.67 K 0.01 Ca 0.02 )(Al 2.90 Mg 0.59 Fe 3+ 0.49 Ti 0.01 )(Si 7.92 Al 0.08 )O 20 (OH) 4 was intercalated with octadecylamine (C 18 H 39 N) (ODA) with varied MMT/ODA ratios. The basal spacings d(00l) of natural and intercalated Na-MMT with ODA were determined by XRD analysis. The set of basal diffractions: d(001) = 56 Å, d(002) = 28 Å, d(003) = 18 Å, d(004) = 14 Å, d(005) = 11 Å for the saturated Na-MMT/ODA intercalate indicates existence of highly ordered periodic structure with the ODA double-layer intercalated in the silicate interlayer spacing. Molecular modeling calculations were applied to the Na-MMT/ODA saturated intercalation system. Stable structure with d-spacing 53 Å has been calculated which is in a good agreement with the experimental data. Such structure gives good conditions for the organosilicate layered structure exfoliation and nanocomposite production. Na-MMT/ODA intercalates were compounded with polypropylene. In accordance with theoretical predictions, XRD analysis applied to compounded structures have proved that a high degree of the organoclay exfoliation was achieved.