High energy ball milling for the processing of organo-montmorillonite in bulk

The key issue for improving the barrier properties of clay polymer nanocomposite (CPN) is to obtain an effective dispersion and exfoliation of the clay platelets into the polymer matrix. Processing of nanoclay in bulk for industrial application still is a challenge. This paper aims to investigate high energy ball milling as an easy technique to achieve the exfoliation of organo-montmorillonite (OMt). OMt was ball-milled under different conditions and the structural changes have been characterized through XRD patterns, HR-TEM images, SEM images, particle size analysis and FT-IR spectra. A series of polyurethane based nanocomposite coating was prepared using these ball-milled OMt and the functional performances, specifically resistance to helium gas permeability and tearing strength were explored targeting inflatables for defence applications.