Polymer-Clay Nanocomposites – Can Do!

30/10/2002

Many of you may know of the joint polymer nanocomposites research work carried out between the Nanomac and Materials Characterisation and Processing (MCP) Centres. A growing group of researchers have been finding that “a little clay goes a long way” towards generating materials with vastly improved property profiles. When treated in the right way with the right choice organic modifiers, and compounded into a “host polymer” effectively, these plate-like (1nm thick and up to 1 micron in diameter) nanoparticles can greatly influence properties like stiffness, processability, barrier properties and heat distortion temperature at very low loadings (typically ~ 5% w/w). Although significant improvements have been already achieved in many systems (biodegradable starch-based packaging films (also with Plantic Technologies Ltd), polyurethanes (biomedical and rapid prototyping applications), and polyolefins (for the Rotational Moulding industry), much work needs to be done in order to understand, control and predict the performance of these materials. Understanding the forces driving or opposing intercalation of macromolecules into the silicate galleries is an important factor.

Thankfully, the rich blend of skills that exists in Nanomac and MCP stands us in good stead to tackle this problem. Our current approach is one of “vertical integration”, where we are able to control clay chemistry, clay surface modification, polymer (or model compound) architecture and polymer processing conditions. A systematic and integrated approach to current experiments will provide us with a platform of data from which we can learn to tailor property profiles. The next 12 months will prove to be productive and exciting, with all postgraduate researchers well into the “meat” of their projects.

Further information can be obtained from the coordinator Dr Darren Martin (darrenm@cheque.uq.edu.au) on (07) 336 54152.