Control of organoclay structure in hydrocarbon polymers

We investigated clay nanocomposites based on hydrocarbon polymers, focusing the attention on aspects such as morphology, physical and dynamic-mechanical properties, in particular of elastomeric materials. This contribution deals with the control of organoclay structure in hydrocarbon polymers. Cationic exchange reactions between a montmorillonite (MMT) and an ammonium cation, di(hydrogenated tallow)-dimethylammonium chloride (2HTCl), leading to organoclay formation, were accomplished in polymer melts. A polyethylene, an ethylene/propylene/5-ethylidene-2-norbornene copolymer, a synthetic 1,4-cis-polyisoprene, bromobutyl and nitrile rubbers were used as the hydrocarbon polymers.