Methods of preparing polymer-organoclay composites and articles derived therefrom

US8158243B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Sabic Innovative Plastics B.V. · NL

Inventors

• Kwok Pong Chan · Troy, US
• Sarah Elizabeth Genovese · Delmar, US
• Erik Hagberg · Decatur, US
• David Bruce Hall · Ballston Lake, US
• John Lester Maxam · Saratoga Springs, US
• Tara J. Mullen · Greenwood, US
• Roy Ray Odle · Greenwood, US
• Albert Santo Stella · Voorheesville, US
• James Mitchell White · Niskayuna, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 10, 2011
• Grant date: Apr 17, 2012
• Expiry date: Mar 10, 2031

Classification

• Technology area (CPC B): Performing Operations; Transporting
• CPC primary: B29B7/007
• WIPO field: Macromolecular chemistry, polymers
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

A method for preparing a polymer-organoclay composite composition comprises combining a solvent and an unexfoliated organoclay to provide a first mixture, wherein the unexfoliated organoclay comprises alternating inorganic silicate layers and organic layers, and has an initial spacing between the silicate layers; exposing the first mixture to an energized condition of a sufficient intensity and duration to increase the initial spacing of the inorganic silicate layers, to provide a second mixture; contacting the second mixture with a polymer composition so that the polymer composition fills at least one region located between at least one pair of silicate layers, wherein the polymer composition is at least partially soluble in the solvent; and removing at least a portion of the solvent from the second mixture, wherein the inorganic silicate layers remain separated by the polymer after removal of the solvent.