Nanocomposite comprising exfoliated nanoclay-styrenic concentrate and methods of preparation

A composition for a polymeric nanoclay concentrate comprising:

• a styrenic polymer in an amount of greater than or equal to 70 percent and less than or equal to 95 percent, based on total weight of composition;
• wherein the styrenic polymer is a homopolymer of styrene, chlorostyrene, or vinyltoluene, or a random copolymer comprising styrene and one or more monomers selected from the group consisting of acrylonitrile, butadiene, alpha-methylstyrene, ethylvinylbenzene, divinylbenzene, maleic anhydride, and C1 to C4 alkyl esters of acrylate or methacrylate;
• a nanoclay in an amount of greater than or equal to 5 percent and less than or equal to 30 percent, based on total weight of composition;
• an emulsifier compound in an amount of 1 to 10 percent, based on total weight of composition;
• wherein the emulsifier compound is an organic salt compound comprising an anionic substituent covalently bonded to an organic moiety and a cationic counter ion;
• and
• a coagulating agent comprising calcium chloride;
• wherein the nanoclay has been substantially untreated with respect to cation exchange;
• and
• where the nanoclay comprises particles that are exfoliated in a polymeric matrix comprising the styrenic polymer.