Graphite clay-like

The sueeess of graphite in this applications shows that filler with plate like struetures should be considered when intumescent materials are being formulated. Reeent developments in intumescent paints show that performanee ean be improved if a layer of organic material is inserted between the layers of the plate like filler. The degradation of this material in the enclosed space increases the expansion rate and the retention of gas inside the degrading material. Based on this prinei-ple any plate like filler has the potential to be useful in an intumescent applieation. The eomposition of filler is also important. When clay was used as a filler in fire retardant applieations, it was found that some of its components interfere with the action of carbonization catalysts and detract from the overall performance of the system in terms of limiting oxygen index. ... 

Clays and graphite, materials with layer structures within which catalytic groups can be held, also have catalytic properties strongly influenced by the solvent-like nature of the intralayer space. 

Many crystals can be considered as built up of parallel layers, especially if the forces operative between layers are of less consequence than those acting within layers. In some materials such as graphite the layers may be monotonic, but in others such as micas or clay materials they may be several atoms deep. Much attention has been directed toward the study of reactions enhanced by molecular catalysts intercalated in smectite clays [66,67]. Because of the ability of these minerals to imbibe water, a solution-like environment can exist between layers and, provided the layers are sufficiently swollen to permit rapid diffusion of reactants, many reactions involving cations or neutral molecules can be carried out. Photocatalytic and photochemical reactions in/on clays or clay-modified materials (electrodes) have been studied and discussions of these experiments are presented in the monographs of Thomas [68] and of Kalyanasundaram [69] and in the... 

Figure 1.10, Ciriiphite swollen by iniercalatioTi of mbidlum between layers of cathnn (C Rb). Layer compounds like graphite, MoSj. or TaSi, and m.iny clays have relatively weak bonding between the atomic sheets. This is an OKample of bonding at internal surfaces of micro-porous maierials. (Courtesy of P. Guith and M. Guntheirod, Institute of Physics, Univeisity of Basel.)...

Preformed nanofillers (and impact modifiers, as well) will be offered in masterbatch forms and diluted with suitable resins upon request. Further on, great efforts will be devoted to generate novel nanofillers, like graphite sheets, CNT-clay hybrids, coiled CNTs. The potential of nanofillers of natural origin, like cellulose whiskers, will be checked in various polymers, including rubbers. In respect of nanofillers, the RfeD work will focus on their possible functional properties ( smart nanoparticles). 

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