High-performance polyimide-clay nanocomposite materials based on a dual intercalating agent system

Abstract

Background: Polymer-clay nanocomposites (PCNs) have attracted considerable interest in recent years owing to their unique physical and chemical properties that lead to a wide range of applications. A series of PCN materials consisting of polyimide and layered montmorillonite (MMT) clay were successfully prepared by in situ polymerization. Results: Silicate layers are better dispersed in polymer matrices when dual intercalating agents (hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide-4,4′-oxydianiline) are applied for MMT modification according to wide-angle X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies. Effects of single and dual intercalating agents on thermal stability, mechanical strength and the molecular barrier of PCN materials consisting of organo-modified MMT were studied by means of thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analyses, gas permeability analysis and vapor permeability analysis. Conclusion: Improved thermal and mechanical stabilities, as well as barrier properties were observed for the PCN materials containing dual intercalating agent-modified MMT. © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry.