Synthesis, structure, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of some polysulfone/organoclay nanocomposites

Polysulfone/organoclay nanocomposites were prepared via a solution dispersion technique, and were characterized by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, stress-strain measurements in elongation, and thermogravimetric analysis. The X-ray and microscopy results demonstrated that at least at some compositions, the technique employed was successful in exfoliating and widely dispersing the clay platelets. The other measurements demonstrated considerable improvements in strength and modulus, and in thermal stability. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.