Process for preparing high barrier nanocomposites

Abstract

The present invention relates to processes for preparing a nanocomposite comprising: a. preparing an organoclay material by reacting a swellable layered clay with an onium ion represented by Formula (I): wherein i) M is nitrogen or phosphorus, ii) R1 is a straight or branched alkyl group having at least 8 carbon atoms, iii) R2, R3, and R4 are independently selected from organic or oligomeric ligands or hydrogen, and iv) at least one of R2, R3, and R4 comprises an alkylene oxide group having from 2 to 6 carbon atoms or a polyalkylene oxide group, and b. melt mixing the organoclay material with an expanding agent, and c. melt extruding the expanded organoclay and a polymer to provide a nanocomposite.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.