Nanocomposite Benefits

• New Flame Retardant Approach
  
• Increase Modulus and Tensile
  
• Improve Barrier Properties
  
• Increase Dimensional Stability
  
• Thermoplastic Recyclable
  
• Greater Clarity
  
• Increase HDT
  
• Reinforcement
  
• Lower Density

Montmorillonite can be employed in the preparation of polymer-clay nanocomposites. Typical performance advantages, taken from the open literature, of montmorillonite compared to traditional reinforcing agents for plastics are as follows:

Montmorillonite will develop similar increase in modulus and tensile strength at 3-5% loading compared to 20-60% loading of conventional reinforcing agents such as kaolin, silica, talc, and carbon black. Implicit advantages include lighter plastic parts with greater transparency.

With montmorillonite, the plastic will have increased barrier properties to moisture, solvents, chemical vapors, gases such as O2 and flavors. Particle shape is known to affect plastic barrier properties.

Montmorillonite is a nanoparticle with an anisotropic, plate-like, high aspect-ratio morphology. It is this morphology that leads to the improved permeation barrier through a tortuous path mechanism. With montmorillonite, the plastic will have increased dimensional stability at low reinforcement loading. Dramatic decreases in CLTE values have been reported.

The plastic will have a higher heat distortion temperature. Only a few percent loading of montmorillonite will increase the temperature at which the plastic will begin to soften. This property is critical, for example, in under-the-hood automotive applications.

The thermoplastic polymer will be more recyclable. Montmorillonite performance actually improves upon recycling. Fiberglass products typically cannot be recycled for the same application, since the fibers are damaged during the recycling process.

The plastic will dye easier. Due to the colloidal nature, high surface area, and surface treatability of montmorillonite, it can serve as an active site to fix dyes into plastic.

Nanocomposites offer a synergistic flame-retardant approach.  The improved flame retardancy as measured by Cone Calorimetry shows a decrease in the Peak Heat Release Rate.  Observed are a decrease in smoke and an increase in char formation.  Combination with traditional flame retardants can enable passage of specified flame tests.

The appearance of painted parts is improved compared to conventional reinforced parts. The nanocomposite particles are much smaller than traditional reinforcing agents so the plastic surface is much smoother.

There is reduced static cling in films containing nanocomposites. This property was observed in some work being done by SCP personnel.