An in situ intercalative polymerization method for preparing UV curable clay-polymer nanocomposites

A novel in situ intercalative polymerization technique was used to disperse clay mineral in a precursor resin for use in UV curing by performing an in situ ion exchange reaction during polyesterification. Unmodified montmorillonite (MMT) was added to a reaction mixture composed of monomers and methyl, tallow, bis-2-hydroxyethyl ammonium (MTEtOH) during the synthesis of unsaturated polyesters to create resins containing highly dispersed, organically modified MMT. UV-curable clay-polymer nanocomposite (CPN) films were then prepared utilizing donor-acceptor chemistry through reactions of the unsaturated polyester resin with triethylene glycol divinyl ether. Functional group conversion improved up to 15% by the incorporation of clay mineral into the polymer matrix through the in situ polymerization method. The CPNs also had improved barrier, mechanical, and thermal properties over a control film containing no clay mineral. (c) 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42601.