Novel non-exfoliated clay-nanocomposite materials by in situ co-polymerisation of intercalated monomers: a combinatorial discovery approach

Authors: Coveney P.V.¹; Griffin J.L.W.²; Watkinson M.³; Whiting A.²; Boek E.S.¹

Source: Molecular Simulation, Volume 28, Number 3, Number 3/March 2002 , pp. 295-316(22)

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Abstract:

We report the synthesis and qualitative testing of a novel class of clay nanocomposite meterials made by the in situ copolymerisation of small intercalating monomer molecules using combinatorial-style diversity methods. Initial screening was undertaken by treating montmorillonite clay films with combinations of selected additives in aqueous solution. The treated films were assessed for their stability in a qualitative manner based on their response to water. The mechanical stength of these films was also assessed qualitatively. Promising "lead" formulations showed no signs of water-induced swelling and/or exfoliation, while also being flexible and hard. In addition, the interlamellar d-spacings in the treated clay films were measured using X-ray diffraction, where possible; the value of the d-spacing in the treated clays was found to vary significanlty, from 12.7-17.7 Å. The lead formulations were then tested on bulk montmorillonite clay, confirming that the thin film behaviour was representative of that of the bulk. Direct analysis of the treated clays by mass spectrometry using both FAB and MALDITOF did not provide any useful information. However, when the clays were subjected to extraction using chloroform, clear evidence of higher relative moleclar mass species was forthcoming, confirming that polymersation of the additives was occurring. Further supporting evidence was obtained by solid-state NMR anlaysis of treated iron-free (laponite) clay samples, which also revealed extensive polymerisation of the monomers used. Comparison of these data with the results of some simple molecular modelling studies indicates that polymerisation is indeed occurring within the clay galleries.

Keywords: Clay; Nanocompositor; Combinatorial discovery

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/08927020290014394

Affiliations: 1: Schlumberger Cambridge Research, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge CB3 0EL, UK 2: Department of Chemistry, Faraday Building, University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 88, Sackville Street, Manchester M60 1QD, UK 3: Department of Chemistry, Queen Mary, University of London, Mile End Road, London E1 4NS, UK

Publication date: 2002-03-01

Novel non-exfoliated clay-nanocomposite materials by in situ co-polymerisation of intercalated monomers: a combinatorial discovery approach

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