The Effect of the Structure of Clay and Clay Modifier on Polystyrene-Clay Nanocomposite Morphology: A Review

Nanocomposites formation brings about an enhancement of many properties for polymers. They have attracted interests since they attain significant properties with far less clay content. It is generally assumed that exfoliation nanocomposites are preferred for the greatest increases in properties, but that is not correct in flame retardency properties. In this paper the effects of different types of clays and clay modifiers on final morphology of PS/clay nanocomposites were reviewed. Clay charge density and length, bulk, polarity, functional groups and polymerizability of the clay modifier are very significant in their efficiency and final morphology of PS/Clay nanocomposite.