A new approach for obtaining intercalated/exfoliated rubber/organo-montmorillonite nanocomposites

A new and efficient approach for the preparation of rubber-based nanocomposites with polymer chains effectively intercalated in between the clay layers is described. A commercial organophilic montmorillonite containing a hydroxylated ammonium ion is reacted with liquid maleinized polybutadienes, leading to a strongly increased organophilicity of the clay. SAXS analysis evidences a remarkable change of the clay interlayer distance, suggesting the attainment of an almost exfoliated structure. The interlayer distance thus obtained is maintained when the modified clay is dispersed into a rubber matrix (BR and SBR). TEM analyses are in good agreement with the SAXS results indicating an overall good dispersion of the modified clay into the rubber matrices with isolated lamellae and intercalated stacks of a few layers.