Poly(methyl methacrylate), polypropylene and polyethylene nanocomposite formation by melt blending using novel polymerically-modified clays

Two new organically-modified clays that contain an oligomeric styrene or methacrylate have been prepared and used to produce nanocomposites of poly(methyl methacryate), polypropylene and polyethylene. Intercalated nanocomposites and, in some cases, exfoliated or mixed intercalated/exfoliated nanocomposites of all of these polymers have been produced by melt blending in a Brabender mixer. The use of the styrene-containing clay permits the direct blending of the clay with polypropylene, without the usual need for maleation, to produce the nanocomposites. The systems have all been characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, cone calorimetry and the measurement of mechanical properties. These novel new clays open new opportunities for melt blending of polymers with clays to obtain nanocomposites with important properties. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.