| Number: | 2003-051-1-400 |
|---|---|
| Start: | 01 January 2004 |
To evaluate the relationship between the morphology and the mechanical, rheological and transport properties of the polymer nano-composite materials.
Recent developments in the technology of intercalating polymer chains in nanoscale layers of clay have produced new types of high performance polymer composites. However, the effects of the higher order structure on mechanical properties are not yet well understood. For example, little is known on the crystallization of polymer chains confined in the nano-scale domains and subsequently occurring morphology formation. Since mechanical properties of the composites are strongly affected by the higher order structure, the control of the higher order structure becomes a key technology to design nano composites with excellent performance and/or functions. The purpose of this study is to clarify the relationship between the higher order structure and properties of commercially available nano-composites composed of polyamide, PMMA and clay. The topics cover a wide range of research from characterization of the components through physical properties in the solid state. Rheological properties of the melts are also an important topic related to the processability of the composites. In this project, several commercial grade nanocomposites comprising polyamide/clay and PMMA/clay will be supplied from the supplier. We expect Ube and Unitika to provide polyamide/clay and Lucite to provide PMMA/clay samples. The following topics will be studied.
Two commercial samples of Nylon/clay nanocomposite and one sample of PP/clay nanocomposite were received. The samples were distributed among the participating members and molecular characterization, morphology, rheological and mechanical, physical studies are under progress in different laboratories.