Abstract: The present invention relates to processes to produce nanocomposites. In particular, the invention relates to solution processes using organic solvents and mixtures of solvents to produce polymeric nanocomposites.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention is a nanocomposite comprising a clay and an elastomer comprising at least C2 to C10 olefin derived units; wherein the elastomer also comprises functionalized monomer units pendant to the elastomer. Desirable embodiments of the elastomer include poly(isobutylene-co-p-alkylstyrene) elastomers and poly(isobutylene-co-isoprene) elastomers, which are functionalized by reacting free radical generating agents and unsaturated carboxylic acids, unsaturated esters, unsaturated imides, and the like, with the elastomer. The clay is exfoliated in one embodiment by the addition of exfoliating agents such as alkyl amines and silanes to the clay. The composition can include secondary rubbers such as general purpose rubbers, and curatives, fillers, and the like. The nanocomposites of the invention have improved air barrier properties such as are useful for tire innerliners and innertubes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nanocomposite of a star branched elastomer and a clay. The nanocomposite can be a mixture of a halogenated star branched elastomer and a clay, desirably an exfoliated clay, suitable for use as an air barrier. The halogenated star-branched elastomer can be the primary halogenated elastomer in the blend, and a ratio of the star-branched elastomer to clay can be from 2:1 to 500:1.

Abstract: The present invention provides a nanocomposite of an elastomer, a polymer or oligomer functionalized with a polar group, and a clay. The nanocomposite can be a mixture of a halogenated elastomer, an acid or acid anhydride modified polymer, and a clay, desirably an exfoliated clay, suitable for use as an air barrier. Also disclosed is a nanocomposite that can be a mixture of a halogenated elastomer, a polymer modified with a carboxylic acid, and an organoclay.

Abstract: The invention provides for processes for preparing a nanocomposite compositions including the steps of: contacting a multifunctional intercalant including a cationic moiety separated from an anionic moiety by at least 1 carbon, with a clay at a temperature and for a period of time sufficient to produce an at least partially intercalated clay; and contacting the at least partially intercalated clay with a functionalized interpolymer including one or more functional groups, at a temperature, and for a period of time sufficient to produce the nanocomposite compositions. Cured nanocomposite compositions, and articles including such nanocomposite compositions are also provided.

Abstract: A nanocomposite of a halogenated elastomer and an inorganic, exfoliated clay, suitable for use as an air barrier, is disclosed. The halogenated elastomer can be a polymer comprising C4 to C7 isoolefin derived units, para-methylstyrene derived units, and para(halomethylstyrene) derived units, or can be a butyl-type rubber. The nanocomposite can be formed by contacting an aqueous slurry of inorganic clay with a polymer cement while agitating vigorously to form emulsions or micro-emulsions to intimately mix the inorganic clay and the elastomer. The nanocomposite so formed has improved air barrier properties and is suitable for use as an innerliner or innertube.