Clay polymer nanocomposites automotive applications

Relative modulus versus talc clay-reinforced agent content for nanocomposites based on a thermoplastic polyolefin or a triphenylene oxide matrix polypropylene plus ethylene-based elastomer showed that relative to a particular filler content, an appreciably higher modulus content was obtained for the montmorillonite reinforcing agent than for talc [156]. Doubling the modulus of the phenylene oxide requires about four times more talc than montmorillonite, with the talc-reinforced polymer having an improved surface finish. In the case of the talc-reinforced polymer, exfoliation is appreciably better than with clay reinforcement. The talc-reinforced polymer has automotive applications. 

Polymer/clay nanocomposites (PCN)are a new class of nanocomposite that makes use of clay materials, which are cheap and well known fillers for polymer materials. The research on polymer-clay intercalation has been reported before 1980s [10]. However, these works were not taken in the history of polymer/clay nanocomposites as these did not result in a dramatic improvement in the physical and engineering properties of the polymers. The researchers at Toyota, Japan demonstrated for the first time that clay (so called filler) can do miracles in 1993 [11,12]. While searching for a lightweight material for automotive applications they successfully developed a nylon-6/clay nanocomposite, which resnlts in a dramatic improvement in properties compared to the pristine polymer. Subseqnently, the technique was extended to thermoset resins leading to the formation of thermoset nanocomposites. 

Polymer/clay hybrid nanocomposites, used in automotive, packaging, and aerospace applications (Dagani 1999), may be prepared. 

Polymer nanocomposites reinforced with layer silicates are very common because the first application of these fillers was in the automotive industry. The packaging industry has focused its attention principally on layered inorganic fillers like clays and silicates due to their low cost, availability, significant augment, and considerably simple processability (Le Corre et al. 2010). 

Abstract The development of polymer-clay nanocomposite materials, in which nano-meter-thick layers of day are dispersed in polymers, was first achieved about 15 years ago. Since then, the materials have gradually become more widely used in applications such as automotive production. The first practical nylon-clay nanocomposite was synthesized by a monomer intercalation technique however, the production process has been further developed and a compound technique is currently widely used. A polyolefin nanocomposite has been produced by the compound method and is now in practical use at small volume levels. In this review, which focuses on njdon- and polyolefin-nanocomposites, detailed explanations of production methods and material properties are described. This article contains mainly the authors work, but aims to provide the reader with a comprehensive review that covers the works of other laboratories too. Lastly, the challenges and directions for future studies are included. 

Nanocomposites have potential applications in various industries namely automotive, packaging, aerospace, electronics, biomedical and defense. Various applications are briefly presented in Table 7.2. The first successful use of polymer/clay nanocomposites was in automotive industries. Reseacher at Toyata could reduce the weight of the automobile parts about 40% by using nanomaterials compared to the conventional... 

Since the first studies of polymer-clay nanocomposites, carried out by the research team at Toyota Automotive Corporation, much research has been performed on the incorporation of low and high aspect ratio nanofillers in polymers, and these have already demonstrated their capability to improve mechanical properties and other important properties such as wear resistance and electrical resistivity [1 ]. However, high material costs, complex processes, and limitations in production technology hamper the production and application of these nanocomposites on a large industrial scale. 

The principal used in polymer-clay nanocomposites leads the individual clay layers as well as the polymer chains to function more effectively with numerous improved properties such as high moduli, increased strength and heat resistance, decreased gas permeability and flammability, increased biodegradability of biodegradable polymers, and attractive electrical properties when compared to virgin polymers or conventional micro- and macrocomposites [37]. These properties make them ideal materials for applications in food packaging, structural automotive components, and electronics among others. 

---