Montmorillonite modified with lactim methyl ethers having different ring sizes

• Lactim ethers are effective modifiers of montmorillonite.
• Interlayer space increased with ring size.
• Interlayer space further increased due to penetration of monomer.
• New filler for preparation of polymer/montmorillonite nanocomposites

A series of organically modified montmorillonites (organo-montmorillonites) was prepared by the method of cation exchange using hydrochlorides of lactim methyl ethers derived from cyclic amides (lactams) with varying ring size (five- to thirteen-membered). The content of the organic modifier was determined from the carbon content (elemental analysis) and using the thermogravimetric analysis. The intercalation of lactim methyl ethers into the interlayer space of the aluminosilicate was confirmed by the FTIR spectroscopy. The interlayer distance determined by the X-ray diffraction increased with increasing ring size and was correlated to the values obtained for montmorillonite intercalated by ω-aminoacids derived from lactams. Suitability of montmorillonites organophilized in this way for a preparation of nanocomposites of polyamide 6 by in situ intercalation was tested by their swelling in the ε-caprolactam melt. Due to the penetration of the monomer into the interlayer space of the organophilized montmorillonite, the interlayer distance further increased.

Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide