Book contents
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Thermodynamics and kinetics of polymer–clay nanocomposites
- 3 Analytical methods utilized in nanocomposites
- 4 Gas diffusion characteristics of polymer–clay nanocomposites
- 5 Engineering properties of polymer–clay nanocomposites theory and theory validation
- 6 Variables associated with polymer–clay processing in relation to reinforcement theory
- 7 The relationships of polymer type specificity to the production of polymer–clay nanocomposites
- 8 Flame retardancy
- Index
- References
4 - Gas diffusion characteristics of polymer–clay nanocomposites
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 05 August 2011
- Frontmatter
- Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Thermodynamics and kinetics of polymer–clay nanocomposites
- 3 Analytical methods utilized in nanocomposites
- 4 Gas diffusion characteristics of polymer–clay nanocomposites
- 5 Engineering properties of polymer–clay nanocomposites theory and theory validation
- 6 Variables associated with polymer–clay processing in relation to reinforcement theory
- 7 The relationships of polymer type specificity to the production of polymer–clay nanocomposites
- 8 Flame retardancy
- Index
- References
Summary
Potential of polymer–clay nanocomposites as barrier materials
Early in the development of polymer–clay nanocomposites it was recognized that, due to the platy morphology of the smectic nanoparticles, the gas permeability of the composite would be altered considerably from that of the pure polymer. This improved barrier has major applications potential in the food and pharmaceutical industries. These composites have the additional advantage of maintaining clarity of display of packaged foods or medicines. The fundamental origin of the barrier properties exhibited by polymer–clay nanocomposites appears to derive largely from the physical morphology of the nanocomposites, but in some notable cases, this cannot be explained by the physical barrier of the nanoparticles.
The number and types of applications utilizing the barrier properties of polymer–clay nanocomposites are significant. In general terms the majority of applications involve the protection of food or drugs from the ingress of either oxygen or water vapor. In the area of flexible food packaging, the nanocomposites will not only protect the food from spoilage and improve shelf life, but also should allow down-gauging in applications where the existing packaging barrier is sufficient. Because of the size and refractive index of the clay nanoparticles, the packaging will also be transparent.
- Type
- Chapter
- Information
- Fundamentals of Polymer-Clay Nanocomposites , pp. 35 - 48Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2011
References
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