New poly(ether-amide-imide) reinforced layer silicate nanocomposite: Synthesis and properties

A new series of poly(ether-amide-imide)/organoclay were generated through solution intercalation technique. Cloisite® 20A was used as a Modified montmorillonite for ample compatibilization with the PEAI matrix. The poly(ether-amide-imide) (PEAI) 3 chains were synthesized by the direct polycondensation reaction of N,N′-(4,4′-diphenylether)bistrimellitimide 1 with 4,4′-diamino diphenyl ether two in the presence of triphenyl phosphite (TPP), CaCl2, pyridine and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP). Morphology and structure of the resulting PEAI-nanocomposite films 3a-3b with (5-10 wt%) silicate particles were characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of clay dispersion and the interaction between clay and polymeric chains on the properties of nanocomposite films were investigated by using UV-Vis spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and water uptake measurements.