| abstract |
An intercalated layered silicate comprises a layered silicate and an intercalating agent sorbed between the silicate layers of the layered silicate. The amount of intercalating agent is effective to provide an average interlayer spacing between the silicate layers of at least about 20 Å. The intercalating agent comprises one or more of fatty acid esters of sorbitan, ethoxylated fatty esters of sorbitan, fatty acid esters of glycerol, fatty acid esters of polyglycerol, fatty acid amide waxes, variants of amide waxes, and variants of amides. The intercalated layered silicate may be exfoliated by mixing it with a matrix medium and adding sufficient energy to form a dispersed-particle composition. A packaging film, such as a food packaging film, may comprise the dispersed-particle composition. |