Intercalated clays from pentaerythritol stearate for use in polymer nanocomposites

• Published in: Journal of applied polymer science Vol. 108; no. 3; pp. 1908 - 1916
• Main Authors: Bartels, J, Beall, G.W, Grah, M, Jin, K, Speer, D, Yarbrough, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hoboken Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company 05.05.2008; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Composites; Exact sciences and technology; Forms of application and semi-finished materials; molecular modeling; nanolayers; nanotechnology; organoclay; Polymer industry, paints, wood; Technology of polymers; Clay; Organic clay; Montmorillonite; Fatty ester; Pentaerythritol; Dispersion reinforced material; Experimental study; Modeling; Composite material; Thermal stability; Surface treatment; Thermal properties; composites; molecular modeling; Diester; Molecular model; nanotechnology; Styrene polymer; organoclay; Nanocomposite; nanolayers
• ISSN: 0021-8995; 1097-4628
• DOI: 10.1002/app.27878

Smectite clays treated with quaternary ammonium salts have been utilized for decades in paints, greases, cosmetics, and personal care products as rheological modifiers. They have also been used in industrial wastewater treatment extensively. In more recent times these surface modified clays have demonstrated benefits in polymer/clay nanocomposites. The use of quaternary ammonium modifiers limits the usefulness of these composites in food packaging because they are not approved for direct food contact. It would be advantageous to have surface modifying chemicals acceptable for direct food contact in these composites. This article reports research conducted on a promising surface modifier pentaerythritol stearate (PS), which is approved by the FDA for inclusion in food as a preservative. The surface modification of montmorillonite with PS is reported in detail as well as the production of nanocomposites with selected polymers made with the modified clay. Molecular modeling and purification of commercial PS samples indicate that the mono- and diesters are the critical surface modifiers, although the as received commercial material works well in forming intercalated clay complexes.