Nanocomposites from polymers and layered minerals

Composites consisting of polymer matrix materials and natural or synthetic layered minerals e.g. clays were prepared by using special compatibilizing agents between these two intrinsically non-miscible components. Block or graft copolymers combining one part of the polymer that is identically and/or completely miscible with the organic polymer and another part that is compatible with the natural mineral are applied to act as compatibilizer. The interaction between the first part of the compatibilizer is preferentially an ionic interaction or an interaction via hydrogen bonds. This interaction leads to a separation of the mineral into single sheets and/or small clusters containing approximately 2–10 sheets and a subsequent homogeneous incorporation of these clusters into the polymer matrix material.