Polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites: Synthesis, properties and applications

Polymer nanocomposites, especially polymer-layered silicate (PLS) nanocomposites, represent a radical alternative to conventionally (macroscopically) filled polymers. Because of their nanometer-size dispersion, the nanocomposites exhibit markedly improved properties when compared with the pure polymers or conventional composites. These include increased modulus and strength, decreased gas permeability, increased solvent and heat resistance and decreased flammability. In addition to their potential applications, PLS nanocomposites are also unique model systems to study the structure and dynamics of polymers in confined environments. Using both delaminated and intercalated hybrids, the statics and dynamics of polymers confined over distances ranging from the radius of gyration of the polymer to the statistical segment length Of the chains can be studied. (C) 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.