Clay Containing Polymer Nanocomposites

This is a very comprehensive book and represents the forefront of the technology of Clay-Containing Polymeric Nanocomposites.

Clay-Containing Polymer Nanocomposites covers everything from fundamental understanding to real applications of clay-containing polymer nanocomposites, including environmental considerations. The book's coverage of fundamentals and generalities, in addition to in-depth coverage of polymer layered silicate nanocomposites, make it a valuable companion for beginners in the field as well as more seasoned researchers. This book provides a rare coherent approach to this class of materials. This title is ideal for polymer and material scientists, researchers, and engineers, including under- and post-graduate students who are interested in this exciting field of research. This book will also help industrial researchers and R&D managers who want to bring advanced polymeric material based products into the market. Details crystallization behavior and kinetics to aid in applications such as injection molding Covers melt-state rheological properties, aiding understanding of the processability of materials Presents applications and market potential, supporting R&D managers who want to bring advanced polymeric material-based products into the market.

Clay–Polymer Nanocomposites is a complete summary of the existing knowledge on this topic, from the basic concepts of synthesis and design to their applications in timely topics such as high-performance composites, environment, and energy issues. This book covers many aspects of synthesis such as in- situ polymerization within the interlamellar spacing of the clays or by reaction of pristine or pre-modified clays with reactive polymers and prepolymers. Indeed, nanocomposites can be prepared at industrial scale by melt mixing. Regardless the synthesis method, much is said in this book about the importance of theclay pre-modification step, which is demonstrated to be effective, on many occasions, in obtaining exfoliated nanocomposites. Clay–Polymer Nanocomposites reports the background to numerous characterization methods including solid state NMR, neutron scattering, diffraction and vibrational techniques as well as surface analytical methods, namely XPS, inverse gas chromatography and nitrogen adsorption to probe surface composition, wetting and textural/structural properties. Although not described in dedicated chapters, numerous X-ray diffraction patterns of clay–polymer nanocomposites and reference materials are displayed to account for the effects of intercalation and exfoliations of layered aluminosilicates. Finally, multiscale molecular simulation protocols are presenting for predicting morphologies and properties of nanostructured polymer systems with industrial relevance. As far as applications are concerned, Clay–Polymer Nanocomposites examines structural composites such as clay–epoxy and clay–biopolymers, the use of clay–polymer nanocomposites as reactive nanocomposite fillers, catalytic clay-(conductive) polymers and similar nanocomposites for the uptake of hazardous compounds or for controlled drug release, antibacterial applications, energy storage, and more. The most comprehensive coverage of the state of the art in clay–polymer nanocomposites, from synthesis and design to opportunities and applications Covers the various methods of characterization of clay–polymer nanocomposites - including spectroscopy, thermal analyses, and X-ray diffraction Includes a discussion of a range of application areas, including biomedicine, energy storage, biofouling resistance, and more

Nanocomposites are being described as the ultimate in new materials this decade. They offer potentially outstanding material performance. It is essential that material suppliers designers and manufacturers understand the potential and the limitations of these new products. This book is an encyclopaedic compilation of the material published to b306 in this exciting new field of polymer science. It describes patents, journal and conference articles and the practical experience of the author in developing and working with these new materials. All of this information is compiled in useful sections by material, processing, properties and applications. It also includes useful commercial information, such as the names of the companies who are researching and producing nanocomposites.

Written for graduate students, researchers, and practitioners, this book provides a complete introduction to the science, engineering, and commercial applications of polymer-clay nanocomposites. Starting with a discussion of general concepts, the authors define specific terms used in the field, providing newcomers with a strong foundation to the area. The physical and mechanical properties of polymer-clay nanocomposites are then described, with chapters on thermodynamics and kinetics, engineering properties, barrier properties, and flame retardancy. Mechanisms underpinning observed effects, such as UV resistance, solvent resistance, and hardness, are also explained. In-depth discussions of clay and clay surface treatment, fabrication, and characterization of nanocomposites are provided, and particular emphasis is placed on the proper use and interpretation of analytical techniques, helping readers to avoid artifacts in their own work. With commercial applications discussed throughout, and experimental results connected with theory, this is an ideal reference for those working in polymer science.

The production of ‘polymer nanocomposites’ has recently gained considerable attention from both the academic and industrial community, especially in the area of nanoscience. This is mainly due to their enhanced improvements in physico-mechanical, thermal and barrier properties compared to micro and more conventional composites. Their nanoscale dimensions, biodegradable character, cost-effectiveness and sustainability have constituted a stimulus for this increasing interest. Currently there is no limit to the possibility of applications. However, despite all this progress, it is still difficult to achieve uniform dispersion between the filler and the matrix, as agglomerations form far too easily and the production of polymer nanocomposites with high mechanical and thermal properties is still limited. The authors of this proposed book, are of the opinion, that with the increase in scientific publications and the rapid progress in processing possibilities to produce nanocomposites based on various nanoscale fillers (silica/clay), a book that collects all of these scientific findings in one place would be timely and of great interest to both students and scientific researchers, who are concerned with the production, and application of nanocomposites as new innovative materials. The authors aim is to present the latest research findings on the fabrication, properties and applications of nanofillers as reinforcement in polymer nanocomposites. Particular emphasis will be placed on the introduction of various nanofillers (silica/clay) into different elastomeric polymer matrices that will enhance the properties of these materials and their applications. The book will provide an up-to-date review of major innovations in the field and act as a reference for future research in materials science and engineering, which is highly topical due to the demand to produce more sustainable and eco-friendly innovative advanced materials from elastomeric polymers. Emphasis on silica/clay as outstanding reinforcing potential in elastomeric polymer matrices Up-to-date on the most relevant innovations in the field of silica/clay nanocomposites and their extensive applications in advanced material science Establishes the most suitable fabrication methods, properties and applications as a solid foundation in materials science and engineering disciplines Includes the incorporation of dual nanofillers that significantly improve the properties of nanocomposites

This book focuses on polymer–clay nanocomposite materials. It introduces readers to polymers, clays, and organo-clay and discusses the nature of interparticle interactions and physical adsorption, which are predominant in the synthesis of organo-clay; conversion of clay to organo-clay; interactions between functional groups in the interlayer region of clay and modifier ions; synthesis of organo-clays and their uses; and the commercial utilization of organo-clays. The text then covers the preparation of polymer–clay nanocomposites and their characterization, properties, performance, and applications. The primary goal of this book is to aid readers who wish to engage in the research and development of polymer–clay nanocomposites and to offer them an overview of the commonly used polymer–clay nanocomposites and their origins, manufacture, properties, and potential applications. This book will serve as a general introduction to researchers just entering the field and as a useful reference for scholars from other subfields.