Layered Silicate Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites: Development and Applications

Abstract

This review provides a rationale for polymer nanocomposites, emphasizing layered (smectic) silicate reinforcements, particularly montmorillonite clay with various surfactant treatments. Considerable attention is given to processing techniques for synthesizing such nanocomposites via compounding in the melt. While briefly covering structural characterization, it focuses on physico‐mechanical properties, using examples of nylon as a polar polymer matrix and polypropylene, the continuous phase in a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV), as a non‐polar polymer matrix. Both polar and non‐polar rubber components are considered for the TPV. Thus, the thermodynamic compatibility between a surfactant‐treated clay and the polymer matrix as well as the partitioning of the clay reinforcement in a two‐phase heterogeneous polymer blend are addressed. Finally, functional performance is reviewed, with an emphasis on automotive applications.