Synthesis and properties of a novel hydrogel nanocomposites

A novel hydrogel nanocomposite was successfully prepared by using 4 novel organiphillic montmorillite (OMMT), which is also used as a crosslinking agent, because its intercalating agent contains two double bonds (C=C). The sheets of the clay are well-dispersed in this nanocomposites, and then the pores in the hydrogel nanocomposites should be bigger and are much better dispersed than those in the conventional hydrogel. The hydrogel nanocomposites have higher thermal properties and swelling ratio than the conventional hydrogel. (C) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.