Synthesis,characterization, and antimicrobial properties of novel quaternary amine methacrylate copolymers

A novel amine methacrylate monomer trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate–piperazine–ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (TMPTMA‐PPZ‐EGDMA) was synthesized by amination of trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (TMPTMA) with excess of piperazine (PPZ) followed by reaction with ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA). Copolymerization of TMPTMA‐PPZ‐EGDMA with 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was carried out by free radical polymerization using ammonium persulfate (APS) and N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethyl ethylenediamine (TEMED) as a redox initiator. The copolymers obtained were then quaternized with 1‐iodooctane. The monomers were characterized by FTIR and ¹H NMR spectral studies. The molecular weights and polydispersity values of the monomers were determined with gel permeation chromatography. Quaternized copolymers containing more than 20% amine methacrylate monomer showed microporosity in the range of 9.9–10.4 μm. The antibacterial activity of the quaternized copolymers against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was studied using UV–vis spectrophotometer and scanning electron microscopy. Quaternized copolymers showed broad‐spectrum contact‐killing antibacterial properties without releasing any active agent as checked by iodide selective ion meter. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Preparation of iodine containing quaternary amine methacrylate copolymers and their contact killing antimicrobial properties

A novel quaternary amine methacrylate monomer (QAMA) was synthesized by amination of dimethacrylate with piperazine followed by its quaternization using an alkyl iodide. Copolymerization of QAMA with 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate was carried out by free radical bulk polymerization technique at room temperature using ammonium persulfate and N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethyl ethylenediamine as a redox initiator. The monomer as well as copolymers was characterized by FTIR and ¹H NMR spectral studies. Thermal and physical characteristics of copolymers of varying compositions of QAMA were evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis, differential calorimetry, contact angle and scanning electron microscopy. The antibacterial activity of the synthesized quaternary amine dimethacrylate copolymers against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was studied by zone of inhibition and colony count method. QAMA copolymers showed broad‐spectrum contact killing antibacterial properties without releasing any active agent as checked by iodide‐selective ion meter. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 102: 1038–1044, 2006     

Mechanisms of molecular interactions in polybase–polyacid complex formed by copolymers of N,N‐dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate with alkylmethacrylates and methacrylic acid with ethylacrylate

Mechanisms of molecular interaction in the blends of a polybase, a copolymer of N,N‐dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate with methylmethacrylate and butylmethacrylate (PDMAEMA–MMA/BMA), with a polyacid, a copolymer of methacrylic acid with ethylacrylate (PMAA‐co‐EA), and plasticizer, triethylcitrate (TEC), have been investigated with FTIR Spectroscopy and potentiometry. To evaluate the strengths of hydrogen and ionic bonds in the polyelectrolyte complexes, quantum‐chemical calculations were performed. According to this analysis, the energy of ionic and hydrogen bonding diminishes in the order: multi‐component complexes involving protonated aminogroup of DMAEMA (ammonium cation) in the presence of chlorine counterion with ionized or unchanged carboxyl groups and water molecules (690–520 kJ/mol) > ternary H‐bonded acid‐base complexes associated with molecule of water (520–420 kJ/mol) > binary ionic complex of carboxylate anion and ammonium cation (404 kJ/mol) > H‐bonded complex of carboxylate and ammonium ions (257 kJ/mol) > binary H‐bonded complex of uncharged carboxyl group with ammonium cation (114 kJ/mol) > ternary H‐bonded complex of uncharged carboxyl group, aminogroup and water molecule (43 kJ/mol) > binary H‐bonded complex between nonionized carboxyl and amino groups (26 kJ/mol). Proton‐donating capability of functional groups in the studied polyelectrolyte blends diminishes in the order: HN⁺(CH₃)₂ ? > HOOC? > HO? . The proton‐donating capacity can be significantly improved in the presence of Cl^? ions, the effect of which may be appreciably inhibited if Na⁺ cations are available in the blend or solution. Proton‐accepting capability weakens in the order: uncharged aminogroup > carboxylate anion > uncharged carboxyl group > hydroxyl group. The results of quantum chemical calculations facilitate interpretation of FTIR spectra. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Amphoteric water‐soluble copolymer for barium titanate slurries. I. Synthesis and dispersing ability

An amphoteric water‐soluble copolymer, polyacrylamide/[α‐N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐(3‐(β‐carboxylate)acrylamino)propyl] ammonium ethanate (PAM/DAE) was synthesized and used as a dispersion agent for BaTiO₃ particles. PAM/DAE was prepared from acrylamide and [α‐N,N‐dimethyl‐N‐(3‐(β‐carboxylate)acrylamino)propyl] ammonium ethanate in a basic condition through a free‐radical polymerization. The structure of this copolymer was verified by IR and ¹H‐NMR spectra. The dispersing effects of PAM/DAE were examined by measuring the viscosity and sedimentation of BaTiO₃ suspensions, and by analyzing the particle size. The results indicate that this copolymer could uniformly disperse the particles, and the resulting suspensions were less viscous, more stabilized, and contained powder with smaller particle size. The dispersing/stabilizing ability of PAM/DAE is close to, or slightly better than, that of a commercial dispersant, ammonium salt of poly(methacrylic acid). © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 96: 1443–1450, 2005     

Synthesis and comparative solution properties of a cationic polyelectrolyte and its corresponding polyzwitterion from 1,1‐diallyl‐4‐methoxycarbonylpiperidinium chloride

The quaternary ammonium monomer 1,1‐diallyl‐4‐methoxycarbonylpiperidinium chloride was synthesized in good yield. On polymerization in water using t‐butylhydroperoxide as initiator, a cationic polyelectrolyte (CPE) with a five‐membered cyclic structure on the polymeric backbone was obtained. On acid hydrolysis, followed by basification, the CPE gave the corresponding polybetaine (PB). The solution properties of these polymers were investigated by potentiometric and viscometric techniques. The PB demonstrated “antipolyelectrolyte” behavior. The basicity constant of the carboxylate functionality in the polyzwitterionic polymers was ‘apparent’ in a 0.1 N NaCl solution and followed the modified Henderson‐Hasselbalch equation. It was found that as the degree of protonation (α) of the whole macromolecule increases, the protonation of the amine nitrogen becomes increasingly more difficult. Unlike other polyzwitterions/polybetaines, the PB was soluble in salt‐free water. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Cyclotrimerization of isocyanate groups. II. Catalyzed reactions of phenyl isocyanate in the presence of 1-butanol or butyl-N-phenylurethane

Cyclotrimerization of phenyl isocyanate at 30–50°C in the presence of 1-butanol or butyl-N-phenylurethane and catalysts of tertiary amine, quaternary ammonium salt, or carboxylate types in 1,4-dioxane was studied by reverse-phase liquid chromatography. Urethane, allophanate, urea, biuret, isocyanurate, and isocyanate model compounds were found in the system. Stability of all reaction products was also examined. The time dependence of evolution of various products depends on the catalyst type and temperature. The overall reaction scheme was proposed. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Reactive extraction of itaconic acid using tri‐n‐butyl phosphate and aliquat 336 in sunflower oil as a non‐toxic diluent

Itaconic acid finds a place in various industrial applications. It can be produced by biocultivation in a clean and environment friendly route but recovery of the acid from the dilute stream of the bioreactor is an economic problem. Reactive extraction is a promising method to recover carboxylic acid but suffers from toxicity problems of the diluent and extractant employed. So there is need for a non‐toxic extractant and diluent or a combination of less toxic extractants in a non‐toxic diluent that can recover acid efficiently. Effect of different extractants: tri‐n‐butylphosphate (TBP) (an organophosporous compound) and Aliquat 336 (a quaternary amine) in sunflower oil was studied to find the best extractant–sunflower oil combination. Equilibrium complexation constant, K_E, values of 1.789 and 2.385 m³ kmol^?1, respectively, were obtained for itaconic acid extraction using TBP and Aliquat 336 in sunflower oil. The problem of toxicity in reactive extraction can be reduced by using a natural non‐toxic diluent (sunflower oil) with the extractant. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Recovery of rare earth elements from simulated fluorescent powder using bifunctional ionic liquid extractants (Bif‐ILEs)

BACKGROUND: Numerous high purity ammonium‐type ionic liquid extractants have been prepared for engineering purposes. Bifunctional ionic liquid extractants (Bif‐ILEs) have been widely applied to separate and extract rare earths and metal ions with high extraction efficiencies and selectivities. In the present study, new Bif‐ILEs [A336][P204] and [A336][P507] have been used to extract rare earths from a simulated solution of a fluorescent powder in a high concentration of Al(NO₃)₃. RESULTS: Bif‐ILEs were prepared from Aliquat336 (A336) and the commercial organophosphorus acid extractants, P204 and P507. These extractants [A336][P204] and [A336][P507] have similar characteristics to neutral organophosphorus extractants. When these Bif‐ILEs were used to extract RE(III) from a simulated waste fluorescent powder system a third phase appeared which could be eliminated by the addition of 10% isopropanol modifier. The coexisting Al₂O₃ in the fluorescent powder was changed to a salting‐out agent (Al(NO₃)₃) in the extraction process and promoted the extraction efficiency of RE(III). Using a countercurrent extraction process at a phase ratio V_o:V_w = 4:1 and pH = 0.56, the RE(III) recovery reached 95.2% in 5–7 stages. Finally, the extractabilities of these bifunctional extractants were compared with the neutral organophosphorus extractants P350, TBP and Cyanex923 at different concentrations, initial pHs and temperatures. CONCLUSIONS: By comparison with other neutral organophosphorus extractants, Bif‐ILEs [A336][P204] and [A336][P507] can be considered efficient potential extractants for separating and recycling REEs and Al₂O₃ from waste fluorescent powder. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Controlled release of polymer conjugated agrochemicals. System based on poly(methyl vinyl ether‐alt‐maleic anhydride)

Controlled release formulations were prepared by using commercially available poly(methyl vinyl ether‐alt‐maleic anhydride) (I) and 2,4‐dichlorophenoxy acetic acid herbicide (2,4‐D). The copolymer (I) was reacted with various diamines to produce amido‐amine containing carboxylate copolymers. The produced copolymers were reacted with the acid chloride of herbicide 2,4‐D as model herbicide for carboxylic group functionalized herbicides. The formulations produced were characterized by IR and elemental analyses. The release of the herbicide 2,4‐D from the formulations was studied under different aqueous medium conditions and the effect of copolymer microstructure on release profiles was investigated. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 80: 415–421, 2001     

Synthesis and characterization of polyacrylamide‐grafted coconut coir pith having carboxylate functional group and adsorption ability for heavy metal ions

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effectiveness of a new adsorbent prepared from coconut coir pith (CP), a coir industry‐based lignocellulosic residue in removing metal ions from aqueous solutions. The adsorbent (PGCP‐COOH) having a carboxylate functional group at the chain end was prepared by grafting polyacrylamide onto CP using potassium peroxydisulphate as an initiator and in the presence of N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinking agent. The adsorbent was characterized by infrared (IR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetry (TG), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and potentiometric titration. The adsorbent exhibits very high adsorption potential for the removal of Pb(II), Hg(II), and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The optimum pH range for metal ion removal was found to be 6.0–8.0. The adsorption process follows a pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. The adsorption capacities for Hg(II), Pb(II), and Cd(II) calculated using the Langmuir isotherm equation were 254.52, 189.49, and 63.72 mg g^?1, respectively. Adsorption isotherm experiments were also conducted for comparison with a commercial carboxylate form cation exchanger. Different industry wastewater samples were treated by the PGCP‐COOH to demonstrate its efficiency in removing heavy metals from wastewater. The reusability of the PGCP‐COOH was also demonstrated using 0.2M HCl. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 104: 3670–3681, 2007     

Covalent attachment of quaternary ammonium compounds to a polyethylene surface via a hydrolyzable ester linkage: Basis for a controlled‐release system of antiseptics from an inert surface

The colonization of medical devices such as catheters, topical wound dressings, and surgical implants by micro‐organisms is an ongoing problem, particularly as many strains of bacteria are becoming resistant to antibiotics. Such a problem may be addressed by a material surface that is able to provide a slow release of a disinfectant during its period of usage. To achieve this objective, a novel material was prepared in which a quaternary ammonium salt was covalently bound onto a polyethylene backbone via a hydrolyzable ester linkage, which provided a slow release of the disinfecting agent. A low‐density polyethylene film was treated with glow discharge followed by the graft polymerization of acrylic acid. A tertiary amine function was introduced onto the film by the esterification of the carboxylic acid groups, via an acid chloride intermediate, with 4‐hydroxy‐N‐methyl piperidine. The tertiary amine on the piperidine was then quaternized with a series of alkyl bromides of various chain lengths. The quaternary ammonium salt was released slowly by the hydrolysis of the ester bond over a 4‐h period. To test the efficacy of the quaternary ammonium function itself, soluble compounds were prepared as follows. 4‐Hydroxy‐N‐methyl piperidine was esterified with acetic anhydride and a corresponding series of quaternary ammonium salts prepared again by a reaction with alkyl bromides of various chain lengths. A preliminary microbiological survey of the materials included an investigation of the effect of the chain length as well as the efficacy of the soluble quaternary salts themselves. As expected, only the longer alkyl chains provided quaternary ammonium salts with bactericidal properties, chain lengths of less than 10 carbon atoms proving ineffective. Both the polymer‐bound and soluble long‐chain quaternary ammonium salts were effective against suspensions of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. The results therefore indicate that such a system may well be useful in the development of biomedical materials such as surgical implants or dressings in which a slow release of a disinfectant or other physiologically active agent such as an anti‐inflammatory drug may be required. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 538–545, 2006     

Polymericaly modified clays to preparation of polystyrene nanocomposite by nitroxide mediated radical polymerization and solution blending methods

Polymericaly modified clays that contain an oligomeric poly(styrene‐co‐chloromethyl styrene) ammonium salt have been prepared and used to preparation of polystyrene (PS) nanocomposites. First, PS and poly(styrene‐co‐chloromethyl styrene) [P(St‐co‐CMSt)] were synthesized by nitroxide mediated living free radical polymerization (NMRP) by TEMPO iniferter .Then the copolymer was coupled with N, N‐dimethyl hexadecyl amine to prepare polymeric modifier by anion exchange of chlorine group of chloromethyl styrene (CMSt) by quaternary amine. The synthesized polymeric modifier was mixed with nanoparticle of silica to change the property of clay surface from hydrophilic to hydrophobic via cation exchange of Na⁺ with alkylammonium ions. For synthesizing of nanocomposites, we used polymericaly modified montmorillonite and PS that was synthesized by NMRP technique. Intercalated nanocomposites and in some cases, exfoliated or mixed intercalated/exfoliated nanocomposites of all of these polymers have been produced by solution blending method. The prepared materials were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, Transmission electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared, ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance, and gel permeation chromatography techniques. Effect of layered silicates on thermal properties and glass transition temperature of PS was investigated using TGA and DSC techniques. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1127–1134, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers     

The adjustable synergistic effects between acid–base coupling bifunctional ionic liquid extractants for rare earth separation

Two of the most widely used industrial extractants for rare earth elements (REEs), that is, di(2‐ethylhexyl)phosphoric acid (HDEHP) and 2‐ethyl(hexyl) phosphonic acid mono‐2‐ethylhexyl ester (HEH[EHP]) were developed into [DEHP]^? type acid–base coupling bifunctionalized ionic liquids (ABC‐BILs) and [EHEHP]^? type ABC‐BILs, respectively. The combinations of ABC‐BIL extractants revealed synergistic effects for REEs. Seven different combinations of ABC‐BILs and five kinds of REEs confirmed the novel synergistic extraction. Some synergy coefficients of the combined ABC‐BILs were bigger than those of mixed HDEHP and HEH[EHP] by two orders of magnitude. The first synergistic extraction produced by ionic liquid extractants in the field of solvent extraction was reported in this article. The novel synergistic extraction from combined ABC‐BILs extractants revealed highly efficient and environmentally friendly potential in both of academic research and industrial application for REEs separation. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 3859–3868, 2014     

Polystyrene nanocomposite materials by in situ polymerization into montmorillonite–vinyl monomer interlayers

A different series of new polystyrene–clay nanocomposites have been prepared by grafting polymerization of styrene with vinyl‐montmorillonite (MMT) clay. The synthesis was achieved through two steps. The first step is the modification of clay with the vinyl monomers, such as N,N‐dimethyl‐n‐octadecyl‐4‐vinylbenzyl‐ammonium chloride, n‐octadecyl‐4‐vinylbenzyl‐ammonium chloride, triphenyl‐4‐vinylbenzyl‐phosphonium chloride, and tri‐n‐butyl‐4‐vinylbenzyl‐phosphonium chloride. The second step is the polymerization of styrene with different ratios of vinyl‐MMT clay. The materials produced were characterized by different physical and chemical methods: (1) IR spectra, confirming the intercalation of the vinyl‐cation within the clay interlayers; (2) thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), showing higher thermal stability for PS–nanocomposites than polystyrene (PS) and higher thermal stability of nanocomposites with of phosphonium moieties than nanocomposites with ammonium moieties; (3) swelling measurements in different organic solvents, showing that the swelling degree in hydrophobic solvents increases as the clay ratio decreases; (4) X‐ray diffraction (XRD), illustrating that the nanocomposites were exfoliated at up to a 25 wt % of organoclay content; and (5) scanning electron microscopy (SEM), showing a complete dispersion of PS into clay galleries. Also, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed nanosize spherical particles of ～ 150–400 nm appearing in the images. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3739–3750, 2007     

Palladium‐ and Copper‐Catalyzed Site Selective Monoamination of Dibromobenzoic Acid

The carboxylate anion has been used as a directing group in the aromatic amination of electronically equivalent aryl bromides to afford selective ortho‐substituted derivatives (>99:1 selectivity; 60–80% yield) in the case of copper(I) catalysis. The solvent, base and equivalents of base were important factors in the success of this reaction. Complementary selectivity was achieved with palladium catalysis where the para‐substituted derivatives were produced selectively (>99% selectivity, 70–80% yield).     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(o‐ and m‐amino benzyl amine) and the copolymers with aniline. Study with Cu(II)

Poly(o‐amino benzyl amine), poly(m‐amino benzyl amine), and the copolymers with aniline were synthesized in 10^?4M HCl by using ammonium persulfate as oxidizing agent. The copolymers were synthesized at various feed mole fractions of comonomer diamine and characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR, ¹H‐NMR spectroscopy, and electrical conductivity. The polymerization yield depended on the substituent position in the aromatic ring. Copper ion was incorporated in the polymers and the amount depended on the side groups position in the aromatic ring. The thermal stability increased when copper ions and aniline units were incorporated in the polymers. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 31–36, 2004     

Synthesis and characterization of in situ sodium‐activated and organomodified bentonite clay/styrene–butadiene rubber nanocomposites by a latex blending technique

In this article, we describe a method used to prepare an in situ sodium‐activated, organomodified bentonite clay/styrene–butadiene rubber nanocomposite master batch via a latex blending technique. The clay master batch was used for compound formulation. Octadecyl amine was used as an organic intercalate. The clay was purchased from local suppliers and was very cheap. Sodium chloride was used for in situ activation of the clay. The wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction data indicated that the in situ sodium activation helped to increase the intergallery distance from 1.28 to 1.88 nm. A transmission electron micrograph indicated intercalation and partial exfoliation. The thermal properties were relatively better in the case of the sodium‐activated, organomodified bentonite‐clay‐containing compound. A substantial improvement in physical properties such as the modulus, tensile strength, tear strength, and elongation at break was observed in the case of the in situ sodium‐activated compound. A cation‐exchange capacity equivalent (of the clay) of 1.5 times the octadecyl amine was the optimum dose for the modification. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Synthesis and characterization of novel oligomeric poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile)–clay complexes

Oligomeric poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) quaternary ammonium salts were prepared through reactions of trimethylamine with corresponding poly(styrene–acrylonitrile–vinyl benzyl chloride)s, which were synthesized by the free‐radical polymerization of a mixture of styrene, acrylonitrile, and vinyl benzyl chloride. Then, oligomeric poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile)‐modified clays were prepared through the cation exchange of the sodium ions in the clay with the corresponding poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) quaternary ammonium salts. The poly(styrene–acrylonitrile–vinyl benzyl chloride)s, poly(styrene‐co‐acrylonitrile) quaternary ammonium salts, and their clay complexes were characterized with infrared spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis, proton nuclear magnetic resonance, X‐ray diffraction, and transmission electron microscopy. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy studies showed that these novel clay complexes were well intercalated. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis data indicated that this series of polymerically modified clays had high enough thermal stability for nanocomposites by melt blending. The thermal treatment of one of these novel clays at 250°C under nitrogen was also conducted. Solubility and infrared studies of this thermally treated clay complex revealed that a novel polyimine/enamine structure clay complex had been formed in the gallery of the clay. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

REMOVAL OF ALUMINUM FROM PICKLING BATH LIQUIDS BY TERTIARY AND QUATERNARY AMINE EXTRACTANTS

In this work, several extractants and solvents have been investigated for the selective removal of aluminum from a pickling bath, containing HF and H₃PO₄ as its main active components, each at a concentration of 0.01–0.30 M. The final aim of the research is to increase the lifetime of the pickling bath, resulting in reduced operating costs, in a decreased environmental burden, and in a more constant and better pickling performance. Several tertiary amines and one quaternary amine salt have been examined as extractants, Shellsol D70, paraffine and Marlowtherm S have been examined as solvents and Exxal 13 has been examined as a modifier. None of the aluminum extractions were completely selective as phosphorus was co-extracted; selectivities obtained were 0.16–1.1. Aggregation took place in many shake tests, but adding Exxal 13 to the organic phase decreased the aggregation in most cases. Of the solvents tested, Shellsol D70 showed the lowest aggregation. The best conditions for SLM were found to be 1.0 M Alamine 308/Alamine 336 with 50 g/l Exxal 13. In almost all shake tests, [Al] : [P] ≈ 1 : 1.3–1.9 in the organic phase.     

Structure and properties of polyethylene ionomer based nanocomposites

Li and Zn ionomers of poly(ethylene‐co‐methacrylic acid) were modified by two organically modified montmorillonites by melt mixing. In the nanocomposites (NCs), the increase in the loss tangent main peak temperature indicated a reduction in the mobility of the long‐chain segments containing neutralized acid groups. The stack compaction observed by wide‐angle X‐ray scattering and transmission electron microscopy in the Cloisite 30B based NCs was attributed to the partial degradation of the surfactant and to the irreversible character of the ion‐exchange process of the ammonium cation of the surfactant with the Li cation. The considerable dispersion that occurred in the poly(ethylene‐co‐methacrylic acid) zinc salt (PEMA–Zn)/Cloisite 20A (20A) NCs was attributed to the high volume of the surfactant, which reduced undesired interactions between the inorganic clay surface and the ionomer. The ductile nature of the matrix remained in all of the NCs, and the increase in the modulus of elasticity of the PEMA–Zn/20A NCs reached a value five times greater than that of the PEMA–Zn matrix. The results suggest that this ionomer is suitable for use both as a matrix for 20A NCs and as a compatibilizer of polyolefin‐based NCs with 20A. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010