Abstract: Nanomers formed by contacting a layered material, e.g., a nanoclay, with a monomer surface treatment including an alkyl radical having at least 6 carbon atoms and a polymerizable monomer, oligomer or polymer. The surface treatment converts the interlayer region of the nanoclay from hydrophilic to hydrophobic, so that polymerizable monomers, oligomers or polymers are compatible and will assist with nanoclay dispersion. The nanocomposites demonstrate enhanced mechanical, thermal and chemical resistance properties compared with pristine polymer.
