Intercalation and exfoliation evidences in rubber/organo-montmorillonite nanocomposites

This work describes a new approach for the preparation of rubber based nanocomposites by properly modifying organophilic clays. The commercial Cloisite 30B, was reacted with liquid maleinized polybutadienes. The reaction caused a decrease of the polarity of Cloisite 30B and a great enhancement of the interlayer distance. These organo-modified clay were successfully dispersed in rubber matrices (SBR or BR) and highly exfoliated nanocomposites containing intercalated stacks of a few lamellae were obtained.