Reactive block copolymers for the preparation of inorganic tubule-polymer composites

A modified inorganic tubule composition, comprising:

• a) inorganic tubules;
• and
• b) a block copolymer added to the inorganic tubules for compatibilizing the inorganic tubules with a polymeric material, thereby making the modified inorganic tubule composition, the block copolymer having a composition comprising:
• a first block comprising
• charged monomers or monomers that upon pH changes can become charged and
• monomeric units of a vinyl monomer;
• and
• a second block comprising
• monomeric units of one or more vinyl monomers and
• monomeric units of the charged monomers or monomers that upon pH change can become charged from the first block,
• wherein the amount of the block copolymer in the modified inorganic tubule composition is between about 0.001% and about 50% by weight,
• wherein the amount of inorganic tubules in the modified inorganic tubule composition is at least about 50% by weight, and
• wherein at least one block in the block copolymer tends to attach to and/or interact with the inorganic tubules and at least one other block in the block copolymer tends to attach to and/or interact with the polymeric material.