Will layered double hydroxides give nanocomposites with polar or non-polar polymers?

A preliminary study to determine the compatibility of organically-modified magnesium aluminum layered double hydroxides with polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and poly(methyl methacrylate) was carried out by melt blending of the polymers with the layered double hydroxide. Only in the case of poly(methyl methacrylate) was good dispersion and nanocomposite formation obtained. The morphology of all the four systems was examined using X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy; the systems were also characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimetry. Copyright (C) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.