Introduction to Polymer-Clay Nanocomposites

This book focuses on polymer-clay nanocomposite materials. It introduces readers to polymers, clays, and organo-clay and discusses the nature of interparticle interactions and physical adsorption, which are predominant in the synthesis of organo-clay; conversion of clay to organo-clay; interactions between functional groups in the interlayer region of clay and modifier ions; synthesis of organo-clays and their uses; and the commercial utilization of organo-clays. The text then covers the preparation of polymer-clay nanocomposites and their characterization, properties, performance, and applications. The primary goal of this book is to aid readers who wish to engage in the research and development of polymer-clay nanocomposites and to offer them an overview of the commonly used polymer-clay nanocomposites and their origins, manufacture, properties, and potential applications. This book will serve as a general introduction to researchers just entering the field and as a useful reference for scholars from other subfields.