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Interlayer structure and bonding in nonswelling primary amine intercalated clays

Greenwell, H.C.; Harvey, M.J.; Boulet, P.; Bowden, A.A.; Coveney, P.V.; Whiting, A.

Authors

M.J. Harvey

P. Boulet

A.A. Bowden

P.V. Coveney



Abstract

Preparation of industrially useful clay-polymer nanocomposite materials often requires the dispersal of clay particles within a polymer matrix. The degree to which the clay particles may be dispersed has an effect on the resultant properties of the material, and the clay is often rendered organophilic using alkylammonium species to facilitate incorporation of polymer. The use of a low molecular weight poly(propylene) oxide diamine is investigated as a reagent for controlling the separation between layers in smectite clays and therefore the extent to which the clay tactoid may be dispersed. The arrangement and interactions of the amine species in the interlayer region are investigated through analysis by both experimental methods and computer simulation, which gives insight into coordination mechanisms within the organoclay. Infrared spectroscopy indicates the presence of extensive hydrogen bonding within the amine-clay interlayer. Some of the amine species were found to intercalate in a nonprotonated state, resulting in strong hydrogen-bonding interactions between amine and ammonium groups. Large-scale classical molecular dynamics simulation shows that the amine groups do not interact strongly with the clay sheets, in contradistinction to ammonium groups. The effect of simulation cell size was considered, and in the limit of zero finite size effects, physically realistic undulations are observed within the individual clay sheets.

Citation

Greenwell, H., Harvey, M., Boulet, P., Bowden, A., Coveney, P., & Whiting, A. (2005). Interlayer structure and bonding in nonswelling primary amine intercalated clays. Macromolecules, 38(14), 6189-6200. https://doi.org/10.1021/ma0503817

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Jul 1, 2005
Deposit Date Jan 18, 2008
Journal Macromolecules
Print ISSN 0024-9297
Electronic ISSN 1520-5835
Publisher American Chemical Society
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 38
Issue 14
Pages 6189-6200
DOI https://doi.org/10.1021/ma0503817