| abstract |
The present invention provides for a polymer composite article with a treated filler and methods for making the same. The polymer composite article includes a polymer capable of being formed into a product shape and a treated filler which is dispersed throughout the polymer forming the composite article. The filler is treated by techniques which exfoliate, delaminate or intercalate the filler particles into individual micro and/or nano size particulates and platelets. Ideally, the treated filler has a median particle size ranging from about 0.1 nm-10 μm. The treated filler enhances the rigidity, barrier properties, heat deflection temperature, clarity, nucleation characteristics, fire retardant characteristics and impact properties of the article. In a preferred embodiment, the article is a polymer composite sheet. The products formed from the polymer composite article include containers, cups, bags, sleeves, bottles, cups, plates, bowls, storageware, dinnerware and cookware. The present invention also provides for methods of fabricating the polymer composite articles. |