Solvent-based nanocomposite coatings I.: Dispersion of organophilic montmorillonite in organic solvents

This study aims to determine the relevant parameters controlling the organophilic montmorillonite dispersion in various organic solvents which can be used as dispersion media for polymer coatings. These suspensions were studied at three scales: (i) At nanometer scale by looking to interlayer distance: When the solvent surface energy is higher than the organophilic clay surface energy, i.e., gamma(solvent) greater than or equal to gamma(montmorillonite), the intercalated organic chains of the quaternary ammonium modifier swell, leading to an increase of the interlayer distance. The balance between hydrophilic and hydrophobic character is the key to dispersion of nanoclays. (ii) At micrometer scale by studying the rheological behaviour of clay suspensions: Gels are formed by percolation of microgels, based on swollen 3-4 platelet tactoids. The viscoelastic properties and the flow behavior reveal the gel structuration by measuring the gel stiffness and the flowing stress. (iii) At macroscopic scale analyzed from the swelling of the nanoclay into solvents: The compatibility between solvent and organophilic clay governs the macroscopic swelling, i.e., interactions between organic chains borne by the intercalated ions and solvents govern the final suspension morphologies. The same methodology can be adopted for monomers or prepolymers selected for one in situ intercalation/exfoliation processing route. (C) 2004 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.