Nanocomposites polymer-layered silicate

Bartholmai, M. and Schartel, B. 2004. Layered silicate polymer nanocomposites New approach or illusion for fire retardancy Investigations of the potentials and the tasks using a model system. Polymers for Advanced Technologies 15 355-64. 

The results reported on the thermal and thermooxidative decomposition of layered silicate nanocomposites are rather contradictory and do not lead to unambiguous or consistent conclusions. The results vary from enhanced decomposition, to no significant influence, to a strong improvement depending on the source and system discussed. The influence on thermal decomposition differs strongly from nanocomposite to nanocomposite. What is more, often the product release is changed rather than the primary decomposition reactions. The diffusion of the products is hindered by the decreased permeability for nanocomposites 5 wt% layered silicate-polymer nanocomposites show a reduction in gas permeability of around 40 to 60%, even for small gas molecules such as nitrogen and... 

---