An in situ intercalative polymerization method for preparing UV curable clay–polymer nanocomposites. Issue 39 (29th June 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Pavlacky, Erin; Webster, Dean C.
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied polymer science. Volume 132:Issue 39(2015)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2015-06-29
• Subjects: Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 668.9
• DOI: 10.1002/app.42601
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0021-8995

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <p>A novel <italic>in situ</italic> intercalative polymerization technique was used to disperse clay mineral in a precursor resin for use in UV curing by performing an <italic>in situ</italic> ion exchange reaction during polyesterification. Unmodified montmorillonite (MMT) was added to a reaction mixture composed of monomers and methyl, tallow, bis‐2‐hydroxyethyl ammonium (MTEtOH) during the synthesis of unsaturated polyesters to create resins containing highly dispersed, organically modified MMT. UV‐curable clay–polymer nanocomposite (CPN) films were then prepared utilizing donor–acceptor chemistry through reactions of the unsaturated polyester resin with triethylene glycol divinyl ether. Functional group conversion improved up to 15% by the incorporation of clay mineral into the polymer matrix through the <italic>in situ</italic> polymerization method. The CPNs also had improved barrier, mechanical, and thermal properties over a control film containing no clay mineral. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. <bold>2015</bold>, <italic>132</italic>, 42601.</p> </abstract>