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.