Modified Sepiolite Nanoclays in Advanced Composites for Engineering Applications

Clay-polymer nanocomposites (CPNs) containing a small weight fraction of nanoclay are known to display enhanced mechanical and thermal properties compared to neat polymers. However, the preparation and application of such nanocomposites remain challenging owing to the difficulties in dispersing nanoclays in polymer matrices. This study focuses on two surfactant-modified organophilic sepiolite clays to demonstrate the simplicity of the modification process, as well as on the use of a benzoxazine monomer (i.e., a CPN matrix precursor) itself as the modifier. Our in-house modified bespoke sepiolites achieve much better dispersion in a benzoxazine matrix, compared to the pristine clay, revealing their potential for applications as nanoenhancers for advanced composites.