The first clay nanocomposite studied
is also the first clay nanocomposite to be commercialized. The work
was begun in the 1980's by researchers at Toyota's Central Research and
Development Laboratories1. Montmorillonite
clay was exchanged with the acid species shown
below.
This quaternary ammonium ion replaced the cations on the
clay surface, swelling the clay and allowing the clay to mix with e-caprolactam.
The caprolactam was then polymerized to form nylon-6.
The nylon-6/clay nanocomposite formed
through ring-opening
had some considerable property improvements
over ordinary nylon-6. The new material is now being used by Toyota
for tough, heat resistant, nylon timing belt covers.
Nanocomposites page
1
1. Gilman, Jeffrey W. et al. Nanocomposites: A
Revolutionary New Flame Retardant Approach.