Citation:
A. Leszczynska, J. Njuguna, K. Pielichowski and J.R. Banerjee, Polymer/
montmorillonite nanocomposites with improved thermal properties: Part I. Factors
influencing thermal stability and mechanisms of thermal stability improvement,
Thermochimica Acta, Volume 453, Issue 2, 1 February 2007, Pages 75-96.
Abstract:
The results of recent research indicate that the introduction of layered
silicate – montmorillonite – into polymer matrix results in increase of thermal
stability of a number of polymer nanocomposites. Due to characteristic structure
of layers in polymer matrix and nanoscopic dimensions of filler particles,
several effects have been observed that can explain the changes in thermal
properties. The level of surface activity may be directly influenced by the
mechanical interfacial adhesion or thermal stability of organic compound used to
modify montmorillonite. Thus, increasing the thermal stability of
montmorillonite and resultant nanocomposites is one of the key points in the
successful technical application of polymer–clay nanocomposites on the
industrial scale. Basing on most recent research, this work presents a detailed
examination of factors influencing thermal stability, including the role of
chemical constitution of organic modifier, composition and structure of
nanocomposites, and mechanisms of improvement of thermal stability in polymer/
montmorillonite nanocompo
