| abstract |
A method for producing a thermoplastic nanocomposite is disclosed. The method comprises the steps of: (a) contacting a swellable layered silicate with a polymerizable aminoaryl lactam monomer to achieve intercalation of said lactam monomer between adjacent layers of said layered silicate; and (b) admixing the intercalated layered silicate with a thermoplastic polymer, and heating the admixture to provide for flow of said polymer and polymerization of the intercalated lactam monomer to cause exfoliation of said layered silicate, thereby forming a thermoplastic nanocomposite having exfoliated silicate layers dispersed in a thermoplastic polymer matrix. |