Processing of clay/epoxy nanocomposites by shear mixing

A three-roll mill was used to disperse/exfoliate the clay nanoparticles in an epoxy matrix. The compounding process was carried out with varying clay contents (1-10 wt.%). The technique was found highly efficient and environmentally friendly in achieving high levels of exfoliation and dispersion within a short period of time. (C) 2003 Acta Materialia Inc. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.