Control of the morphology of the layered-silicate epoxy nanocomposite

Polymer layered-silicate nanocomposites have attracted great attention due to their unique nanostructure and properties. The property of the nanocomposite is determined by the morphology of the nanocomposite. The typical morphologies of the nanocomposite are the intercalated and exfoliated nanostructures. In this study, the layered-silicate epoxy nanocomposite with different morphology can be controlled and achieved. The different morphology could include the intercalated nanostructure with the 15 angstrom increase of the interplanar spacing, the intercalated one with similar to 150 angstrom increase of the gallery and fully exfoliated nanostructure.