Polymer nanocomposites from modified clays: Recent advances and challenges

Abstract Since the end of the last century, the discovery of polymer nanocomposites and their ever-expanding use in various applications has been the result of continuous developments in polymer science and nanotechnology. In that regard, progress in developments on the use of modified natural and synthetic clays for designing polymer nanocomposites is presented herein. The modified clays used in composite preparation include natural clays such as montmorrilonite, hectorite, sepiolite, laponite, saponite, rectorite, bentonite, vermiculite, biedellite, kaolinite, and chlorite, as well as synthetic clays including various layered double hydroxides, synthetic montmorrilonite, hectorite, etc. The preparation, structure and properties of polymer nanocomposites using the modified clays are discussed. Even at a low loading, these composites are endowed with remarkably enhanced mechanical, thermal, dynamic mechanical, adhesion and barrier properties, flame retardancy, etc. The properties of the nanocomposites depend significantly on the chemistry of polymer matrices, nature of clays, their modification and the preparation methods. The uniform dispersion of clays in polymer matrices is a general prerequisite for achieving improved mechanical and physical characteristics. Various theories and models used to design polymer/clay nanocomposites have also been highlighted. A synopsis of the applications of these advanced, high-performance polymer nanocomposites is presented, pointing out gaps to motivate potential research in this field.