| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/T24166/01 |
| Title: |
Enhancement of Recycled Polymer Blends Using Nanoclays |
| Principal Investigator: |
Evans, Professor JRG |
| Other Investigators: |
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| Department: |
Materials |
| Organisation: |
Queen Mary University of London |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 October 2004 |
Ends: |
30 September 2007 |
Value (£): |
176,540
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Materials Processing |
Materials Synthesis & Growth |
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| EPSRC Industrial Sector Classifications: |
| Aerospace, Defence and Marine |
Manufacturing |
| Transport Systems and Vehicles |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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It has been known for over a century that some smectite clays take up organic molecules between the silicate layers (intercalation). When macromolecules are used, the silicate layers can be separated (exfoliation). Since the layers are 0.98nm thick and 500-1000nm across, aspect ratios of up to 1000 can be obtained; much greater than short staple or platelet reinforced composites, yet these nanocomposites can be processed easily and if thermoplastic, they can be reprocessed. What has only recently become known is that when used in polymer blends, such clays can enhance the interaction of different components and hence act as compatibilisers. The mechanism may involve the part played by the tie chains between interclated particles or adsorbed sites on adjacent patelets. In either case it is the exceptionally high real surface area (-650 MA 2/g) that allows adsorption to have a significant effect on macroscropic properties. The mechanistic understanding that emerges will shed light on clay-based nanocomposites in general, both those based on homopolymers and on copolymers. The utilitarian value is strongest for polymer recycling and so this project seeks to exploit these opportunities at the earliest opportunity by working closely with one of the UK's leading commercial recycling operations.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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