Clay-reinforced semi-aromatic polyether-amide nanocomposites containing phosphine oxide moieties: synthesis and characterization

Semi-aromatic flame retardant polyether-amide/organoclay nanocomposites were synthesis through solution blending technique. Surface modification of the montmorillonite clay was performed with 1,4-bis[4,4′-amino phenoxy]butane for ample compatibilization with the polyamide matrix. The polymer chains were produced from the poly condensation reaction of bis(3-amino phenyl)phenyl phosphine oxide (4) with 1,4-(4-carboxy phenoxy)butane (3). The effect of clay dispersion and the interaction between clay and polyamide chains on the properties of nanocomposites were investigated using X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, limited oxygen index, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and water uptake measurements. The diacid 3 as a monomer was prepared from the reaction of 4-hydroxy benzoic acid (1) with 1,4-dibromo butane (2) in the presence of NaOH solution.