| abstract |
A nanocomposite composition is disclosed which comprises clay and an effective amount of a benzoxazine monomer, oligomer, and/or polymer. In one embodiment, the presence of the benzoxazine monomer, oligomer, and/or polymer in the clay results in an at least about 5% increase in the spacing between the platelets of the clay. In another embodiment, the presence of the presence of the benzoxazine monomer, oligomer, and/or polymer in the clay results in at least about 5 wt. % of the clay being exfoliated. Also disclosed are a method for making (1) an intercalated nanocomposite clay composition which comprises clay and an effective amount of a benzoxazine monomer, oligomer, and/or polymer; (2) an exfoliated nanocomposite clay composition which comprises clay and an effective amount of a benzoxazine monomer, oligomer, and/or polymer; and (3) a method for making a nanocomposite clay composition that is both exfoliated and intercalated. |