Studies in Finishing Effects of Clay Mineral in Polymers and Synthetic Fibers
Table 1
Important types of clay mineral-polymer (nm) composite.
S. no.
Clay mineral-polymer (nm) composite
Characteristics
Effects on polymer performance
1
Intercalated nanocomposite
(i) Polymer chains are regularly inserted in layered silicate structure (ii) Regular crystal structure (iii) Repeat distance of few nanometers at any polymer to clay ratio
(i) Increased tensile properties (ii) Increased flexural properties (iii) Reduced gas permeability (iv) Flame retardancy (v) Improved heat distortion temperature (vi) Improved thermal and photo aging (vii) Improved biodegradability
2
Flocculated nanocomposite
Intercalated and stacked silicate layers partially flocculated
Same as above
3
Exfoliated nanocomposite
Silicate layers are separated in polymer matrix (depending upon clay loading)