Abstract: This invention is directed to a polyamide-clay nanocomposite, products produced from the nanocomposite, and a process for preparing a polyamide-clay nanocomposite. The polyamide-clay nanocomposite comprises (a) an amorphous matrix polyamide comprising (i) a residue of a dicarboxylic acid component comprising at least two diacids and (ii) a residue of a diamine component, and (b) a layered clay material, wherein the layered clay material is dispersed in the matrix polyamide.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer-clay intercalates, exfoliates, nanocomposites and methods of manufacturing comprising (i) a melt-processible matrix polymer, and incorporated therein (ii) a mixture of at least two layered clay materials. The invention also relates to articles produced from a nanocomposite and a process for preparing a nanocomposite.

Abstract: This invention relates to a polymer-clay nanocomposite having an improved gas permeability comprising (i) a melt-processible matrix polymer, and incorporated therein (ii) a layered clay material intercalated with a mixture of at least two organic cations. The invention also relates to processes for preparing a nanocomposite and articles produced from a nanocomposite.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an nanocomposite material and products produced from the nanocomposite material. This invention is also directed to a process for preparing a polymer-clay nanocomposite comprising the steps of (i) forming a concetrate comprising a layered clay material with a matrix polymer-compatible functionalized oligomer or polymer, and (ii) melt compounding the concentrate with a melt-processible matrix polymer to produce a polymer-clay nanocomposite.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a polyamide-clay nanocomposite, products produced from the nanocomposite, and a process for preparing a polyamide-clay nanocomposite. The polyamide-clay nanocomposite comprises (a) an amorphous matrix polyamide comprising (i) a residue of a dicarboxylic acid component comprising at least two diacids and (ii) a residue of a diamine component, and (b) a layered clay material, wherein the layered clay material is dispersed in the matrix polyamide.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polyester-platelet particle composite compositions comprising about 0.01 to about 25 weight percent platelet particles dispersed in at least one polyester wherein said composition has an I.V. of greater than about 0.55 dl/g, low shear melt viscosity greater than about 30,000 poise and a gas permeability which is at least 10% lower than that of unmodified polyester and processes for producing same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising platelet particles treated with at least one polyalkoxylated ammonium salt comprising at least one polyalkoxylated group consisting of greater than 5 repeating alkyl oxide groups. The treated particles of the present invention display particularly good dispersion when incorporated into various polyester compositions at concentrations up to about 25 weight %. Also disclosed is a process incorporating said treated platelet particles into a polyester and for forming said treated platelet particles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a polymer having dispersed therein at least one layered clay material which has been cation exchanged with an organic cation salts represented by Formula I: ##STR1## wherein M represents either nitrogen or phosphorous; X.sup.- represents an anion selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxide, or acetate anions, preferably chloride and bromide; R.sub.1 is selected from the group consisting of straight and branched alkyl groups having at least 8 carbon atoms; R.sub.2, R.sub.3, and R.sub.4 are independently selected from straight or branched alkyl groups having 1 to four carbon atoms; and at least one expanding agent which is compatible with said polymer. Preferred polymers include polyesters. The compositions of the present invention show vastly improved platelet separation as evidenced by higher than previously reported basal spacing.