Nanofillers based upon organophilic layered silicates

A wide variety of polymer nanocomposites exhibiting novel property combinat ions were obtained via in-situ formation of silicate nanofillers during pol ymerization and processing. Key intermediates were tailor-made silicates wh ich were rendered organophilic by means of cation exchange and exfoliated u pon applying shear forces. As a function of organophilic modification, inte rfacial coupling, and processing conditions it was possible to control nano structure formation and to improve thermal and mechanical properties such a s toughness/stiffness balance, heat distortion temperature, and flame retar dency. Basic structure/property correlations were established for nanocompo sites based upon in-situ nanofillers and polymers such as polystyrene, poly amide 12, polypropylene, polymethylmethacrylate, polyurethane, and epoxy re sins.