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Abstract
Polymer/layered silicate nanocomposite thin films were developed as clear, transparent coatings. Laponite‐S, which is a synthetic layered clay, was dispersed in a polyethylene oxide matrix and solution cast onto glass slides for further testing. Rheological properties, wear abrasion resistance, and scratch resistance were tested for each sample to examine the nanoparticle dispersion effects on the materials' properties. In this study, we identify and characterize the materials to be used, establish the appropriate conditions for the preparation of polymer/Laponite nanocomposite dispersions, illustrate methods for the development of PEO/Laponite‐S films, and characterize the films. Results on the rheological behavior of PEO‐silicate nanocomposites as a function of Laponite solids loading and PEO concentration, as well as some preliminary wear abrasion properties of the films are presented in this study.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to acknowledge the financial support of the Particle Engineering Research Center (PERC) at the University of Florida (NSF Grant No. EEC‐94‐02989) and the Industrial Partners of PERC. Help from Ms. Jennifer Brandt is also greatly acknowledged. Any opinions, findings and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the National Science Foundation.