Synthesis and characterization of resol-layered silicate nanocomposites

Resol-layered silicate nanocomposites were synthesized by intercalative polymerization of phenol and formaldehyde using layered clays such as an aminoacid-modified montmorillonite (MMT) and a commercial modified MMT (Cloisite 30B). The composites were prepared by a sequential process in which one of the reactives of the phenolic resin was reacted with the organosilicate and subsequently cured with triethylamine. The nanocomposites were studied by means of X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, and thermogravirnetric analysis. Results show a strong clay composition dependence on the intercalation state. The composite of resol with 2 wt % aminoacid-modified MMT content has the best dispersion of clay layers. Thermal stability of nanocomposites was slightly increased in comparison with the neat resol. (c) 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.