Effects of nanoparticle morphology on the permeation and physical properties of polymer nanocomposites

Exfoliated graphite nanoparticles (EGN) have the potential to be a low cost, high performance reinforcement for polymers due to their platelet structure and predicted physical properties. Thermoplastic films were preparedcontaining different EGNs at different loading levels. Barrier and physical properties of these EGN/polymer nanocomposite films were then compared to similar nanocomposite films having either comparable filler morphology, such as smectite clays, or similar chemical composition, such as carbon nanotubes and conventional carbon black. Barrier testing included permeation of selected organic permeants, water vapor, and oxygen utilizing a number of different vapor and liquid permeation methods. Relationships between the properties of the nanocomposites and the nanoparticle composition and morphology are presented.