Supramolecular exfoliation of layer silicate clay by novel cationic pillar[5]arene intercalants

Clays are multi-layered inorganic materials that can be used to prepare nanocomposite fillers. Because the multi-layered structure is thermodynamically stable, it is difficult to change a multi-layered material into single layers to improve its dispersity. Previously, clays were modified with dodecylammonium cations to promote complexation with nylon 6, nylon 66, polypropylene, polyethylene, polystyrene, and polycaprolactone to increase the mechanical strength (and/or thermal stability) of the composite material; however, complete exfoliation could not be achieved in these composites. In this study, pillar[5]arenes are synthesized and functionalized with ten cationic substituents as novel intercalants for modifying bentonite clay, which is a multi-layered metal-cation-containing silicate. The pillar[5]arenes exfoliate the clay by forming polyrotaxanes with poly(ethylene glycol) through host–guest interactions.

DISPERSION OF NANOCLAY IN 1,4-POLYBUTADIENE

ABSTRACT Two approaches to obtaining better dispersion of organo-modified nanoclay in high-molecular weight polybutadiene were assessed: (1) chemical modification of the polymer to increase its affinity for the silicate layers and (2) increasing the stretching component of the flow field used to mix the materials. As expected, the degree of dispersion, that is, the extent of intercalation of the polymer into the clay galleries and amount of exfoliation of the clay layers, increased with closer matching of the respective solubility parameters of the components. The efficiency of mechanical mixing was greater for flow fields dominated by stretching (extensional flow); less mix energy had to be expended to achieve a given level of reinforcement. However, without sufficient affinity of the polymer for the clay, complete exfoliation could not be obtained solely by mixing. Nevertheless, incomplete dispersion of the nanoclay still yields more than 40-fold increases in viscosity with 5% clay.

Study on Exfoliation Resistance of Ferro Superalloy Composite Oxide Scale

Based on ferro based superalloy K273 and heat resistant steel ZG40Cr24, test alloys were cast by intermediate frequency induction furnace with non-oxidation method by alloying of aluminium and silicon. The oxidation resistance at 1100°C for 500 hours of test alloys was carried out according to oxidation weight gain method. Experimental results show that the scale exfoliation resistance of K273 and ZG40Cr24 is reinforced greatly by Al2O3 and SiO2. The scale exfoliation weight gain rate at 1100°C descends from 1.2681g.m-2.h-1 to zero, reaching complete exfoliation resistance for ZG40Cr24 test alloy. Because of 1.5<PBR(Al2O3⁄Fe)<2 and the growing of Al2O3 and SiO2 from out side of scale-scale/oxygen interface, the composite scale grows intact and compact without accumulation of growing stress.