| abstract |
Nanocomposites are manufactured by combining a host material, such as an organic solvent or a matrix polymer and exfoliated intercalates formed by contacting a phyllosilicate with a polymer to adsorb or intercalate the polymer between adjacent phyllosilicate platelets. Sufficient polymer is adsorbed between adjacent phyllosilicate platelets to expand the adjacent platelets to a spacing of at least about 5 ANGSTROM , preferably at least about 10 ANGSTROM (as measured after water removal), up to about 100 ANGSTROM and preferably in the range of about 30-40 ANGSTROM , so that the intercalate easily can be exfoliated, e.g., when mixed with an organic solvent or a polymer melt, to provide a carrier material for drugs and the like, or to provide a matrix polymer/platelet composite (nanocomposite) material-the platelets being exfoliated from the intercalate. |