Abstract:

　　Scientists are reporting an in-depth validation of the discovery of the world's first mass　producible, low-cost, organoclays for plastics. The powdered material, made from natural　clay, would be a safer, more environmentally friendly replacement for the compound widely　used to make plastics nanocomposites. A report on the research appears in ACS'Macromolecules, a bi-weekly journal.

　　Miriam Rafailovich and colleagues focused on a new organoclay developed and patented by a　team of scientists headed by David Abecassis. The scientists explain that so-called　quaternary amine-treated organoclays have been pioneering nanoparticles in the field of　plastics nanotechnology. Just small amounts of the substances make plastics flame　retardant, stronger, and more resistant to damage from ultraviolet light and chemicals.

　　They also allow plastics to be mixed together into hybrid materials from plastics that　otherwise would not exist. However, quaternary amine organoclays are difficult to produce　because of the health and environmental risks associated with quaternary amines, as well as　the need to manufacture them in small batches. These and other disadvantages, including　high cost, limit use of the materials.

　　The new organoclay uses resorcinol diphenyl phosphate (which is normally a flame　retardant), to achieve mass producible organoclays which can be made in continuous　processing. In addition these organoclays are cheaper, generate less dust, and are　thermostable to much higher temperatures (beyond 600 degrees Fahrenheit). This clay has　also been proven to be superior for flame retardance applications. In addition, unlike most　quaternary amine based organoclays, it works well in styrene plastics, one of the most　widely used kinds of plastic.