Applications of Nanomer in Nanocomposites - From Concept to Reality.pdf

APPLICATIONS OF NANOMER? IN NANOCOMPOSITES: FROM CONCEPT TO REALITY Tie Lan, Jaewhan Cho, Ying Liang, Jerry Qian, and Peter Maul Nanocor, Inc. 1500 West Shure Drive Arlington Heights, IL 60004 ABSTRACT Nanomers? are surface modified montmorillonite minerals available for a range polymer resins from commodity polyolefins to specialty polyamides. Nano-effects have been demonstrated for resins in which Nanomers are added either during polymerization or by melt compounding. Montmorillonite’s unique morphology contributes to improved strength and toughness, heat/dimensional stability, gas barrier and flame retardation. In addition to Nanomer product development, Nanocor has developed advanced processing technology to facilitate our customers’ easy incorporation into resin systems. Downstream products using nanocomposite technology are now emerging at an accelerating pace. This presentation will focus on the benefits of nanocomposites with examples of their use in commercial products. Nanocomposites 2001 June 25-27, 2001 Renaissance Chicago Hotel – Chicago, IL, USA Introduction Nanomers? are surface modified montmorillonite minerals available for a range polymer resins from commodity polyolefins to specialty polyamides. Incorporation into these resins forms a nanocomposite plastic. Because Nanomers are used at low addition levels, significant property improvement is achieved with lighter part weight. Due to Nanomers platey morphology and propensity to accelerate polymer crystallization, gas barrier enhancement is a common feature. Depending on the specific resin, gas barrier can improve dramatically. Nanocomposite plastics are potent char formers, making them a valuable tool in creating improved fire retardant materials. In fluid resin systems Nanomer rheology is similar to that of fumed silica, and in addition to traditional property improvement, it carries the benefit of