REACTIVE BLOCK COPOLYMERS FOR THE PREPARATION OF INORGANIC TUBULE-POLYMER COMPOSITES

摘要

A method for modifying an inorganic tubule, such as halloysite, cylindrit e, boulangerite, or imogolite, with a functionalized block copolymer for imp roving compatibility with a thermoplastic or thermoset polymer matrix and a composition for the modified inorganic tubule and for the modified inorganic tubule - polymer matrix are provided. In one embodiment, the block copolyme r can be added to a slurry of the inorganic tubules. The pH of the slurry ca n be manipulated to promote ionic bonding between the inorganic tubules and one block of the block copolymer. The other block of the block copolymer is selected for compatibility with the polymer matrix for a particular applicat ion.