Abstract: A heat stabilized polyolefin nanocomposite is disclosed, which contains metal scavengers to heat stabilize the nanocomposite.

Abstract: nuc-PP nanocomposite is made from the mixing of nuc-PP with olefin elastomer and organoclay, and optionally, a dispersion agent. Unexpectedly, processing properties such as higher melt flow, and performance properties such as higher toughness and higher stiffness, are obtained when compared with commercially available PP nanocomposite.

Abstract: A method is disclosed concerning discovering how the use of an additive in a polyolefin compound affects the weatherability of that compound. Applying that technique, a weatherable polyolefin nanocomposite is disclosed, which contains UV stabilizers that filter wavelengths in a range influenced by presence of organoclay in the nanocomposite.

Abstract: HDPE nanocomposite is made by mixing HDPE with organoclay. Such HDPE nanocomposite contains concentrations of organoclay less than 4 weight percent. Unexpectedly, using less organoclay than that conventionally recommended, results in superior oxygen and water vapor transmission rates for HDPE compounds. The HDPE nanocomposite is useful for packaging films and containers for food or other perishables.

Abstract: A nanocomposite is made from melt-mixing of polyethylene with organoclay in the presence of a maleated polypropylene. Unexpectedly, the maleated polypropylene and polyethylene are sufficiently compatible to permit excellent dispersion of the organoclay in the nanocomposite. Because maleated polypropylene is compliant with U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulations, though maleated polyethylene is not, one can use nanocomposites of the present invention for articles to be in contact with human food.

Abstract: A heat stabilized polyolefin nanocomposite is disclosed, which contains metal scavengers to heat stabilize the nanocomposite.

Abstract: nuc-PP nanocomposite is made from the mixing of nuc-PP with olefin elastomer and organoclay, and optionally, a dispersion agent. Unexpectedly, processing properties such as higher melt flow, and performance properties such as higher toughness and higher stiffness, are obtained when compared with commercially available PP nanocomposite.

Abstract: HDPE nanocomposite is made by mixing HDPE with organoclay. Such HDPE nanocomposite contains concentrations of organoclay less than 4 weight percent. Unexpectedly, using less organoclay than that conventionally recommended, results in superior oxygen and water vapor transmission rates for HDPE compounds. The HDPE nanocomposite is useful for packaging films and containers for food or other perishables.

Abstract: An intumescent polyolefin nanocomposite is disclosed. The nanoclay contributes stiffness, toughness and flame retardancy to the compound. The intumescent contributes flame retardancy. The compound can be processed as a thermoplastic into any practical article needing stiff, tough, and flame retardancy properties.

Abstract: A composite of nanoclay and thermoplastic matrix polymer is disclosed, optionally containing a polyolefin elastomer and also optionally containing a dispersion agent for the nanoclay. The nanocomposite is prepared for use with thermoplastic polyolefins (TPO's). The polyolefin elastomer, preferably an ethylene-octene copolymer, is added into a mixing extruder downstream of the other ingredients. The nanoconcentrate contributes increased stiffness and toughness to a TPO, which can be used form molded articles such as automotive parts.

Abstract: A nanocomposite concentrate composition comprising about 10 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of a layered silicate material and about 10 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of a matrix polymer comprising about 90-99.8% by weight of a polyolefin and about 0.2% to about 10%, preferably about 0.2% to about 3%, more preferably about 1% to 3% by weight, of a maleic anhydride-modified polyolefin, based on the total weight of polyolefins, wherein the layered silicate material is dispersed uniformly throughout the matrix polymer. Shearing of the concentrate and later (after shear) addition of an added matrix polymer avoids thermal degradation of the added matrix polymer and optimizes the dispersion of the nanomer throughout the matrix polymer; provides increased tensile strength; and reduces degradation of the polymer by melt formation of a concentrate thereby decreasing heat degradation of added matrix polymer.

Abstract: A nanocomposite concentrate composition comprising about 10 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of a layered silicate material and about 10 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of a matrix polymer comprising about 90-99.5% by weight of a polyolefin and about 0.5% to about 10%, preferably about 1% to about 6% by weight, of a maleic anhydride-modified polyolefin, based on the total weight of polyolefins, wherein the layered silicate material is dispersed uniformly throughout the matrix polymer. Shearing of the concentrate and later (after shear) addition of an added matrix polymer avoids thermal degradation of the added matrix polymer and optimizes the dispersion of the nanomer throughout the matrix polymer; provides increased tensile strength; and reduces degradation of the polymer by melt formation of a concentrate thereby decreasing heat degradation of added matrix polymer.

Abstract: Intercalated layered materials prepared by reacting the layered material with a coupling agent and co-intercalating an onium ion and an oligomer or polymer between the planar layers of a swellable layered material, such as a phyllosilicate, preferably a smectite clay. The spacing of adjacent layers of the layered materials is expanded at least about 3 Å, preferably at least about 5 Å, usually preferably to a d-spacing of about 15-20 Å, e.g., 18 Å with the onium ion spacing/compatibilizing agent. The intercalation of the oligomer or polymer then increases the spacing of adjacent layers an additional at least 3 Å, e.g., to at least about 20 Å, preferably about 25 Å to about 30 Å, generally about 28 Å, and provides a nanocomposite having increased tensile strength, flexibility, and ductility (less brittle).

Abstract: A nanocomposite concentrate composition comprising about 10 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of a layered silicate material and about 10 weight percent to about 90 weight percent of a matrix polymer comprising about 90-99.8% by weight of a polyolefin and about 0.2% to about 10%, preferably about 0.2% to about 3%, more preferably about 1% to 3% by weight, of a maleic anhydride-modified polyolefin, based on the total weight of polyolefins, wherein the layered silicate material is dispersed uniformly throughout the matrix polymer. Shearing of the concentrate and later (after shear) addition of an added matrix polymer avoids thermal degradation of the added matrix polymer and optimizes the dispersion of the nanomer throughout the matrix polymer; provides increased tensile strength; and reduces degradation of the polymer by melt formation of a concentrate thereby decreasing heat degradation of added matrix polymer.