Innovative polymer nanocomposites with clay and graphite intercalate compounds

In this work, innovative polymer nanocomposites (NC) based on organoclay (OC) and graphite intercalate compounds (GIC) are presented. Dimethyl ditalloyl ammonium was the guest ionically bonded to the layers for both families of intercalate compounds. Acids and amides were also present in the interlayer space. Crystalline structure of OC and GIC, determined through X-ray diffraction (XRD), was assessed. NC structure was studied by means of XRD and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The correlation between chemical composition and structure of intercalate compounds and NC properties was investigated. In particular, tensile and dynamic-mechanical properties were measured. The mechanism for the formation of NC is discussed, providing evidences in favour of the presence of only low molecular mass substances in the interlayer space of the nanofillers.