摘要 |
The invention provides new high-use temperature, lightweight polymer/inorganic nanocomposite materials with enhanced thermal stability and performance characteristics. The invention provides two techniques that enhance the thermal stability of the nanocomposite systems from their current limits of 100-150 DEG C. to over 250 DEG C. The two unique approaches are based on innovative chemical design of the organic-inorganic interface using (i) more thermally stable surfactants/compatibility agents, and (ii) more thermally stable synthetic organically-modified layered-silicate reinforcements to create unique nanocomposites. These approaches offer processibility through both solution techniques, as well as solvent-free direct melt intercalation technique. The use of synthetic organically-modified layered silicates (having built-in surfactants) eliminates the poisonous alkyl ammonium surfactants that limit the applications of nanocomposites as food packaging materials. The new technology provides hitherto unobtainable thermal stability and performance characteristics, and has numerous applications in automotive, aerospace, electronic and food and beverage industries.
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