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Title: New poly(ethylene oxide)-clay composites.

Journal Article · · Chem. Mater.
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/cm020833j· OSTI ID:949624

This paper reports a new mechanism for the formation of clay intercalates containing poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). This mechanism permits formation of a two-dimensional PEO crystal phase. Under acidic conditions, polymer adsorption occurs through an ion-exchange process that is mediated by oxonium cation formation. A single phase exhibiting a plateau in the d{sub 001} reflections of 19 Angstroms is formed at a polymer/clay stoichiometry of 0.5 g/g. This two-dimensional PEO crystal phase has a higher melting temperature than its three-dimensional counterpart because it is confined within the clay galleries. Unlike previously reported methods for forming PEO/clay intercalates, oxonium ion exchange produces structures whose basal spacings increase with increasing polymer molecular weight.

Research Organization:
Argonne National Lab. (ANL), Argonne, IL (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
NE; OUS
DOE Contract Number:
DE-AC02-06CH11357
OSTI ID:
949624
Report Number(s):
ANL/CMT/JA-42644; CMATEX; TRN: US1003600
Journal Information:
Chem. Mater., Vol. 15, Issue 5 ; Mar. 11, 2003; ISSN 0897-4756
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
ENGLISH