Preparation and characterization of Polyketone/clay nanocomposites

Nanocomposites of Polyketone (PK)/Cloisite 30B clay were prepared by the melt intercalation technique. The nanocomposites were characterized for their microstructure using wide-angle x-ray diffraction (WAXD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). An increase in the "d" spacing of silicate layers, as revealed by WAXD analysis, indicated the intercalated structure of the nanocomposites. A uniform dispersion of clay layers in polymer matrix was confirmed by TEM micrographs. The DMA analysis indicates improved storage modulus over the temperature range studied and an increase in the glass transition temperature of the nanocomposites.