| abstract |
Nanocomposites are manufactured by combining an EVOH matrix polymer and exfoliated intercalates formed by contacting a phyllosilicate with a non-EVOH intercalant to adsorb or intercalate the intercalant between adjacent phyllosilicate platelets. Sufficient intercalant is adsorbed between adjacent phyllosilicate platelets to expand the adjacent platelets to a spacing of at least about 5 .ANG., preferably at least about 10 .ANG. (as measured after water removal), up to about 100 .ANG. and preferably in the range of about 30-40 .ANG., so that the intercalate easily can be exfoliated, e.g., when mixed with the EVOH matrix polymer melt, to provide an EVOH matrix polymer/platelet composite (nanocomposite) material that does not degrade the EVOH matrix polymer. |