Layered Clay Rubber Composites

Abstract

The field of nanotechnology is one of the most popular areas for current research and development in virtually all technical disciplines. This obviously includes polymer science and technology. In recent year, researchers have been working on a new scale of reinforcement by incorporating a fine dispersion of clay silicatelayers in the polymer matrix to obtain polymer nanocomposites. Nanoscale layered clays, due to their high aspect ratio and high strength, can play an important role in forming effective polymer nanocomposites. Polymer nanocomposites have received much attention due to its large surface area and very high aspect ratio. Polymer nanocomposites especially rubber based nanocomposites is one of the many composite materials in which researchers and engineers have shown great interest due to their potential to be used in critical applications. Polymer layered silicate (PLS) nanocomposites often exhibit remarkable improvement in materials properties when compared with the virgin polymer or conventional micro and macro composites. These improvements can include high moduli and tear strength, improved heat resistance and electrical properties, decreased gas permeability, swelling to solvents and flammability.