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)	Same as above