Polymeric composite including nanoparticle filler
Disclosed is a novel polymeric composite including a nanoparticle filler and method for the production thereof. More particularly, the present invention provides a novel halloysite nanoparticle filler which has the generally cylindrical or tubular (e.g. rolled scroll-like shape), in which the mean outer diameter of the filler particle is typically less than about 500 nm. The filler is effectively employed in a polymer composite in which the advantages of the tubular nanoparticle filler are provided (e.g., reinforcement, flame retardant, chemical agent elution, etc.) with improved or equivalent mechanical performance of the composite (e.g., strength and ductility).
1. A polymeric nanoparticle composite, comprising:
a polymer matrix; and
a tubular clay filler consisting essentially of surface modified mineral nanotubes, wherein said mineral nanotubes include at least one compatibilization agent.
2. A polymeric nanoparticle composite, comprising:
a polymer matrix; and
a tubular clay filler consisting essentially of surface modified mineral nanotubes, wherein said mineral nanotubes are halloysite nanoparticles and where said nanoparticles include a metal cladding thereon.
3. A polymeric nanoparticle composite, comprising:
a polymer matrix; and
a tubular clay filler consisting essentially of surface modified mineral nanotubes, wherein said mineral nanotubes include at least one agent for elution.
4. A polymeric nanoparticle composite, comprising:
a polymer matrix; and
a tubular clay filler consisting essentially of surface modified mineral nanotubes, wherein an active agent is adsorbed onto an inner surface of the nanotubes.
5. The composite of claim 1 , wherein the mineral nanotubes are halloysite nanoparticles.
6. The composite of claim 5 , wherein said halloysite nanoparticles have a mean average outer diameter of less than about 500 nm and a mean average length of less than about 40,000 nm.
7. The composite of claim 1 , wherein said polymer matrix includes a polyolefin.
8. The composite of claim 1 , wherein said polymer matrix includes thermosetting material selected from the group consisting of:
epoxies;
epoxy-polyester hybrids;
phenolics;
melamines; and
urethanes.
9. The composite of claim 1 , wherein said polymer matrix includes a thermoplastic material selected from the group consisting of:
polyesters;
polyethylene;
polypropylene;
polyvinyl chloride;
silicones;
acrylic polymers;
fluoropolymers;
polyurethanes;
polystyrene; and
polyimide.
10. The composite of claim 1 , wherein said polymer matrix includes an elastomeric material.
11. The composite of 1 , wherein said compatibilization agent is an organic compound.
12. The composite of 11 , wherein said organic compound is a neutral organic compound.
13. The composite of 1 , wherein said organic compound is an ionic organic compound.
14. The composite of 12 , wherein said neutral organic compound is selected from the group consisting of:
monomers;
oligomers; and
polymers.
15. The composite of claim 14 , where said polymer is a copolymer.
16. The composite of claim 1 , wherein said compatibilizing agent includes silane.
17. The composite of claim 1 , wherein said polymer matrix consists essentially of Nylon and where said composite exhibits a modulus of elasticity of at least about 1.9 GPa and a yield strength at least about 83 MPa.
18. The composite of claim 5 , wherein said halloysite nanoparticles have a generally cylindrical shape and exhibit differential surface charges to form a localized network of tubes arranged generally end to wall.
19. The composite of claim 9 wherein the composite is a coating applied on a surface.
20. The composite of claim 3 , wherein said agent for elution is selected from the group consisting of: biocides; minerals; light emitting substances; fluorescent substances; phosphorescent substances; colorants; antioxidants; emulsifiers; antifungal agents; pesticides; fragrances; dyes; optical brighteners; fire retardants; self-healing polymers; and combinations thereof.
21. The composite of claim 1 , wherein the mineral nanotubes are selected from the group consisting of:
imogolite;
cylindrite; and
boulangerite.
22. The polymer composition of claim 4 , wherein said nanotubes further include an adherent barrier coating for controlling the release of the active agent from said nanotubes.
23. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the compatibilization agent consists essentially of a quaternary ammonium compound.
24. The composition of claim 23 , wherein said quaternary ammonium compound includes benzalkonium chloride.