ABSTRACT
Layered silicate-based polymer nanocomposites have demonstrated a significant potential to become the basis for development of the next generation of enhanced performance polymer compounds. Incorporation of only a small loading (4 to 5%) of properly treated, well-dispersed/exfoliated organoclay into the base polymer results in a compound with a substantial improvement in thermal, mechanical, as well as other physical properties over those of the base polymer. Until recently, most development efforts have focused on determining proper surface treatment to make the clay compatible with the base polymer and therefore improve the ease with which it can be dispersed in the polymer.
