Nanocomposite Formation in Hydrogenated Nitrile Rubber (HNBR)/Organo‐Montmorillonite as a Function of the Intercalant Type

Summary: Hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) was melt compounded with montmorillonite (MMT) and organophilic modified MMTs prior to sulfur curing. In contrast to the micro‐composite formation resulting from the compounding of the HNBR and pristine MMT, the modified MMTs (i.e., octadecylamine: MMT‐ODA, octadecyltrimethylamine: MMT‐ODTMA, methyltallow‐bis(2‐hydroxyethyl) quaternary ammonium: MMT‐MTH intercalants) produced nanocomposites. It was found that the organoclay with primary amine intercalant (cf. MMT‐ODA) gave confined structures along with the exfoliated/intercalated structures. This was traced to its reactivity with the curatives. By contrast, the organoclays containing less reactive quaternary ammonium compounds (cf. MMT‐ODTMA, MMT‐MTH) were exfoliated and intercalated based on X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results. The hydroxyl functional groups of the MMT‐MTH supported the clay dispersion. The better adhesion between MMT‐MTH and HNBR was explained by hydrogen bonding between the hydroxyl groups of the intercalant and the acrylonitrile group of the HNBR matrix. This HNBR/MMT‐MTH nanocomposite showed the best mechanical properties as verified by tensile mechanical tests and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). The high tensile strength along with the high elongation at break for the rubber nanocomposites were attributed to the ability of the ‘clay network’ to dissipate the input energy upon uniaxial loading.

Scheme of failure development in rubber/organoclay mixes with poor (a) and good (b) dispersion of the clay layers.     

Combination of double‐modified clay and polypropylene‐graft‐maleic anhydride for the simultaneously improved thermal and mechanical properties of polypropylene

Double‐modified montmorillonite (MMT) was first prepared by covalent modification of MMT with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane and then intercalation modification by tributyl tetradecyl phosphonium ions. The obtained double‐modified MMT was melt compounded with polypropylene (PP) to obtain nanocomposites. The dispersion of the double‐modified MMT in PP was found to be greatly improved by the addition of PP‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MA) as a “compatibilizer,” whose anhydride groups can react with the amino groups on the surface of the double‐modified MMT platelets and thus improve the dispersion of MMT in PP. Fourier transform infrared, X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and tensile test were used to characterize the structure of the double‐modified MMT, morphology, and the thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites. The results show that PP‐g‐MA promotes the formation of exfoliated/intercalated morphology and obviously increases the thermal properties, tensile strength, and Young's modulus of the PP/double‐modified MMT nanocomposites. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Property enhancement in unsaturated polyester nanocomposites by using a reactive intercalant for clay modification

Polymeric nanocomposites were synthesized from unsaturated polyester (UPE) matrix and montmorillonite (MMT) clay using an in situ free radical polymerization reaction. Organophilic MMT was obtained using a quaternary salt of coco amine as intercalant having a styryl group making it a reactive intercalant. The resultant nanocomposites were characterized via X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The effect of increased nanofiller loading on the thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites was investigated. All the nanocomposites were found to have improved thermal and mechanical properties as compared with neat UPE matrix, resulting from the contribution of nanolayer connected intercalant‐to‐crosslinker which allows a crosslinking reaction. It was found that the partially exfoliated nanocomposite structure with an exfoliation dominant morphology was achieved when the MMT loading was 1 wt %. This nanocomposite exhibited the highest thermal stability, the best dynamic mechanical performance and the highest crosslinking density, most probably due to more homogeneous dispersion and optimum amount of styrene monomer molecules inside and outside the MMT layers at 1 wt % loading. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013     

Synthesis of effective poly(4‐vinylpyridine) nanocomposites: in situ polymerization from edges/surfaces and interlayer galleries of clay

Poly(4‐vinylpyridine) (P4VP) nanocomposites have been prepared by using an in situ polymerization method in the presence of organically modified montmorillonite (MMT) clays with a quarternary salt of cocoamine containing a vinyl group, as well as trimethoxy vinyl silane. The nanocomposites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The desired exfoliated nanocomposite structure was achieved when the MMT modification was conducted in the presence of both modifiers, whereas individual modifications all resulted in intercalated structures. This resultant exfoliated nanocomposite was found to have better thermal stability and dynamic mechanical performance when compared to the other nanocomposites, even with 2 % clay loading. Copyright © 2005 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis of bio‐based polymeric nanocomposites from acrylated epoxidized soybean oil and montmorillonite clay in the presence of a bio‐based intercalant

Polymeric nanocomposites were synthesized from functionalized soybean‐oil‐based polymer matrix and montmorillonite (MMT) clay using an in situ free radical polymerization reaction. Acrylated epoxidized soybean oil combined with styrene was used as the monomer. Organophilic MMT (OrgMMT) was obtained using a quaternized derivative of methyl oleate, which was synthesized from olive oil triglyceride, as a renewable intercalant. The resultant nanocomposites were characterized using X‐ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy. The effect of increased nanofiller loading on the thermal and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis. It was found that the desired exfoliated nanocomposite structure was achieved when the OrgMMT loading was 1 and 2 wt%, whereas a partially exfoliated or intercalated nanocomposite was obtained for 3 wt% loading. All the nanocomposites were found to have improved thermal and mechanical properties as compared with virgin acrylated epoxidized soybean‐oil‐based polymer matrix. The nanocomposite containing 2 wt% OrgMMT clay was found to have the highest thermal stability and best dynamic mechanical performance. Copyright © 2010 Society of Chemical Industry     

Enhancing antibacterial properties of polypropylene/Cu‐loaded montmorillonite nanocomposite filaments through sheath–core morphology

Polypropylene (PP) loaded with copper‐exchanged montmorillonite (Cu‐MMT) nanocomposite filaments and films with excellent antimicrobial activity have been reported for the first time. A sheath–core morphology filament in which only the sheath contains Cu‐MMT was prepared for maximizing bioactivity. Sodium MMT clay was modified to acid‐activated MMT and further to Cu‐MMT via an ion exchange process. The exchange operation was confirmed using wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX) which suggested increased interlayer spacing and confirmed the loading of copper in Cu‐MMT. Further, Cu‐MMT was melt‐mixed in PP in the form of PP/Cu‐MMT nanocomposite filament, film and sheath–core morphology PP/Cu‐MMT nanocomposite filament. The surface morphology and elemental composition of the nanocomposites were studied using scanning electron microscopy coupled with EDX. Transmission electron micrographs were obtained to understand the dispersion characteristics of Cu‐MMT phase in PP. X‐ray diffraction analysis of nanocomposites suggested increased crystallinity at lower loading due to heterogeneous nucleating action of MMT. The PP nanocomposite filaments and films were tested for antimicrobial activity against Gram‐negative bacterium Escherichia coli, which is the main pathogenic bacterium found abundantly in water, and were found to exhibit excellent antimicrobial activity. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry     

Effect of organic modifiers and silicate type on filler dispersion,thermal, and mechanical properties of ABS‐clay nanocomposites

Acrylonitrile–butadiene–styrene (ABS)–clay composite and intercalated nanocomposites were prepared by melt processing, using Na‐montmorillonite (MMT), several chemically different organically modified MMT (OMMT) and Na‐laponite clays. The polymer–clay hybrids were characterized by WAXD, TEM, DSC, TGA, tensile, and impact tests. Intercalated nanocomposites are formed with organoclays, a composite is obtained with unmodified MMT, and the nanocomposite based on synthetic laponite is almost exfoliated. An unintercalated nanocomposite is formed by one of the organically modified clays, with similar overall stack dispersion as compared to the intercalated nanocomposites. T_g of ABS is unaffected by incorporation of the silicate filler in its matrix upto 4 wt % loading for different aspect ratios and organic modifications. A significant improvement in the onset of thermal decomposition (40–44°C at 4 wt % organoclay) is seen. The Young's modulus shows improvement, the elongation‐at‐break shows reduction, and the tensile strength shows improvement. Notched and unnotched impact strength of the intercalated MMT nanocomposites is lower as compared to that of ABS matrix. However, laponite and overexchanged organomontmorillonite clay lead to improvement in ductility. For the MMT clays, the Young's modulus (E) correlates with the intercalation change in organoclay interlayer separation (Δd₀₀₁) as influenced by the chemistry of the modifier. Although ABS‐laponite composites are exfoliated, the intercalated OMMT‐based nanocomposites show greater improvement in modulus. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

The effect of organic modifier‐12‐aminolauric acid on morphology and thermal properties of polylactide nanocomposites

A novel organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) based on a bifunctional organic modifier‐12‐aminolauric acid (ALA) was synthesized. Polylactide (PLA) nanocomposites with this new and traditional OMMT were prepared by solution casting method. The effects of the organic modifiers on structure, morphology and thermal properties of PLA nanocomposites have been investigated using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results indicate that ALA has distinct effects on the dispersion of MMT platelets into the PLA matrix, where partial exfoliated as well as intercalated structures have been obtained, when compared with ordinary modifier, cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). TGA data verifies that PLA nanocomposites with ALA‐MMT organoclay display enhanced thermal stability. The optimal clay loading of ALA‐MMT occurs at 3%wt, leading to the best compromise between clay dispersion and thermal properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Preparation and structure and mechanical properties of poly(styrene‐b‐butadiene)/clay nanocomposites

Star‐shaped and linear block thermoplastic poly(styrene‐b‐butadiene) copolymer (SBS)/organophilic montmorillonite clays (OMMT) were prepared by a solution approach. The intercalation spacing in the nanocomposites and the degree of dispersion of nanocomposites were investigated by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), respectively. The mechanical properties, dynamic mechanical properties, and thermal stability of these nanocomposites were determined. Results showed that SBS chains were well intercalated into the clay galleries and an intercalated nanocomposite was obtained. The mechanical strength of nanocomposites with the star‐shaped SBS/OMMT were significantly increased. The addition of OMMT also gave an increase of the elongation, the dynamic storage modulus, the dynamic loss modulus, and the thermal stability of nanocomposites. The increase of the elongation of nanocomposites indicates that SBS has retained good elasticity. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 92: 3430–3434, 2004     

Preparation of polystyrene–clay nanocomposites via dispersion polymerization using oligomeric styrene‐montmorillonite as stabilizer

This study describes the preparation of polystyrene–clay nanocomposite (PS‐nanocomposite) colloidal particles via free‐radical polymerization in dispersion. Montmorillonite clay (MMT) was pre‐modified using different concentrations of cationic styrene oligomeric (‘PS‐cationic’), and the subsequent modified PS‐MMT was used as stabilizer in the dispersion polymerization of styrene. The main objective of this study was to use the clay platelets as fillers to improve the thermal and mechanical properties of the final PS‐nanocomposites and as steric stabilizers in dispersion polymerization after modification with PS‐cationic. The correlation between the degree of clay modification and the morphology of the colloidal PS particles was investigated. The clay platelets were found to be encapsulated inside PS latex only when the clay surface was rendered highly hydrophobic, and stable polymer latex was obtained. The morphology of PS‐nanocomposite material (after film formation) was found to range from partially exfoliated to intercalated structure depending on the percentage of PS‐MMT loading. The impact of the modified clay loading on the monomer conversion, the polymer molecular weight, the thermal stability and the thermomechanical properties of the final PS‐nanocomposites was determined. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry     

Preparation and properties of polypropylene filled with organo‐montmorillonite nanocomposites

Organo‐Montmorillonite (Org‐MMT)/maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (PP‐g‐MAH)/polypropylene nanocomposites have been prepared by melt blending with twin‐screw extruder. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites and the dispersion of Org‐MMT intercalated by the macromolecular chain were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and mechanical tests. The crystal properties of the nanocomposites have been tested by a differential scanning calorimeter. The thermal properties of the nanocomposites were investigated by thermo gravimetric analysis. The results show that not only the impact property but also the tensile property and the bending modulus of the system have been increased evidently by the added Org‐MMT. The Org‐MMT has been dispersed in the matrix in the nanometer scale. With the addition of the Org‐MMT, the melting point and the crystalling point of the nanocomposites increased; the total velocity of crystallization of the nanocomposites also increased. Thermal stability of the nanocomposites is increased by the filled Org‐MMT. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 2875–2880, 2006     

Preparation and characterization of transparent poly(methyl methacrylate)/Na+‐MMT nanocomposite films by solution casting

Films of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/sodium montmorillonite (Na⁺‐MMT) nanocomposites have been successfully prepared utilizing Na⁺‐MMT by N,N‐dimethylformamide solution casting. The nanocomposite films show high transparency, enhanced thermal resistance, and mechanical properties in comparison with the neat polymer film. The transparency of the films was investigated by UV‐vis spectra. The exfoliated dispersion of Na⁺‐MMT platelets in nanocomposites were investigated by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The enhanced thermal resistance and mechanical properties of PMMA were studied by thermal gravimetric analysis and dynamic mechanical analysis, respectively. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Effect of both silane‐grafted and ion‐exchanged organophilic clay in structural,thermal, and mechanical properties of unsaturated polyester nanocomposites

Unsaturated polyester (UPE) resin including styrene monomer was mixed with organophilic montmorillonite (MMT) clay and its crosslinking polymerization reaction was done in the presence of free‐radical initiator. MMT clay was modified with cetyl trimethly ammonium bromide and trimethoxy vinyl silane. The nanocomposites were characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric and dynamic mechanical analyses (TGA and DMA). The exfoliated nanocomposite structure was obtained when the MMT clay was modified in the presence of both modifiers, whereas individual modifications all resulted in intercalated structures. The exfoliated UPE nanocomposite exhibited better thermal and dynamic mechanical properties when compared with pure UPE and other composites, even with 3 wt% clay loading. POLYM. COMPOS., 2010. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Organomodification of montmorillonite and its effects on the properties of poly(butylene succinate) nanocomposites

The pristine sodium montmorillonite (MMT) was organically modified with hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (HTAB) at different contents. The organoclay was characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray techniques, and thermogravimetric analysis. Then, poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) nanocomposites were prepared by melt‐mixing process using maleic anhydride‐grafted PBS (PBS‐g‐MA) as compatibilizer. It was found that the mechanical properties of PBS nanocomposites filled with organoclay were apparently higher than that of the nanocomposite filled with MMT. This is attributed to the better filler–matrix interactions between PBS and the organoclay and the better filler dispersion. This is verifiable through the XRD, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The addition of PBS‐g‐MA further improved the mechanical properties. It was also found that our laboratory synthesized organoclay modified with HTAB has provided a better reinforcing efficiency when compared with the commercial octadecylamine‐modified organoclay. Besides that the thermal properties of PBS nanocomposites were studied through differential scanning calorimetry. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Synthesis and antimicrobial activity of biocidal polymer–montmorillonite nanocomposites

The bioactive agents p‐hydroxymethylbenzoate, 2,4‐dihydroxymethylbenzoate and methylsalicylate were reacted with polyoxyalkylene (D_230–2000)–montmorillonite (MMT) intercalated nanocomposites. D_230–2000–MMT were prepared by an ion exchange process of Na‐MMT and? NH₃⁺ groups in polyoxyalkylene amine hydrochloride of three different molecular masses (D₂₃₀, D₄₀₀ and D₂₀₀₀). The results of X‐ray analysis and transmission electron microscopy show that D₂₀₀₀–MMT/p‐hydroxymethylbenzoate is an exfoliated nanocomposite, whereas in D₂₃₀–MMT/p‐hydroxymethylbenzoate, D₂₃₀–MMT/2,4‐dihydroxymethylbenzoate, D₂₃₀–MMT/methylsalicylate and D₄₀₀–MMT/p‐hydroxymethylbenzoate, having lower molecular mass and polymer loading, the MMT rearranges in an intercalated and flocculated structure. The amount of intercalated polymer and interaction between polymer and layered silicate were determined using thermogravimetric analysis and Infrared spectroscopy. The antimicrobial activities of the nanocomposites were qualitatively and quantitatively assessed by agar diffusion tests and minimal inhibitory concentration values against a Gram‐negative bacterium (Escherichia coli NCIM 2065), a Gram‐positive bacterium (Bacillus subtilis ATCC) and fungi (Candida albicans SC5314 and Cryptococcus neoformans). The D₂₀₀₀–MMT/p‐hydroxymethylbenzoate nanocomposite strongly inhibits the growth of all the micro‐organisms tested. The diameter of the inhibition zone varies according to the type of micro‐organism tested. The effect of nanocomposite concentration on morphology, respiration and release of calcium, potassium and sodium ions of the test micro‐organisms was examined. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry     

Thermal–oxidative degradation and accelerated aging behavior of polyamide 6/epoxy resin‐modified montmorillonite nanocomposites

Polyamide 6 (PA6) nanocomposites based on epoxy resin‐modified montmorillonite (EP‐MMT) were prepared by melt processing using a typical twin‐screw extruder. X‐ray diffraction combined with transmission electron microscopy was applied to elucidate the structure and morphology of PA6/EP‐MMT nanocomposites, suggesting a nearly exfoliated structure in the nanocomposite with 2 wt % EP‐MMT (PA6/2EP‐MMT) and a partial exfoliated‐partial intercalated structure in PA6/4 wt %EP‐MMT nanocomposite (PA6/4EP‐MMT). The thermogravimetric analysis under air atmosphere was conducted to characterize the thermal–oxidative degradation behavior of the material, and the result indicated that the presence of EP‐MMT could inhibit the thermal‐oxidative degradation of PA6 effectively. Accelerated heat aging in an air circulating oven at 150°C was applied to assess the thermal–oxidative stability of PA6 nanocomposites through investigation of reduced viscosity, tensile properties, and chemical structure at various time intervals. The results indicated that the incorporation of EP‐MMT effectively enhanced the thermal–oxidative stability of PA6, resulting in the high retention of reduced viscosity and tensile strength, and the low ratio of terminal carboxyl group to amino group. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014 , 131, 40825.     

Dielectric properties and structures of melt‐compounded poly(ethylene oxide)–montmorillonite nanocomposites

The dielectric dispersion and relaxation process in melt‐compounded hot‐pressed poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)–montmorillonite (MMT) clay nanocomposite films of 0–20 wt % MMT concentration were investigated over the frequency range 20 Hz to 1 MHz at ambient temperature. X‐ray diffraction study of the nanocomposites evidences that the PEO has been intercalated into the MMT interlayer galleries with a helical‐type multilayer structures, which results the formation of unique parallel plane PEO–MMT layered structures. The relaxation times corresponding to PEO chain segmental motion were determined from the loss peak frequencies of different dielectric formalisms and the same is used to explore the interactions compatibility between PEO molecules and the MMT nano platelets. It is revealed that the loading of only 1 wt % MMT in PEO matrix significantly increases the PEO chain segmental motion due to intercalation, which further varies anomalously with increase of MMT concentration. The real part of dielectric function at 1 MHz, relaxation time, and dc conductivity of these melt‐compounded nanocomposites were compared with the aqueous solution‐cast PEO–MMT films. Considering the comparative changes in the values of various dielectric parameters, the effect of synthesization route on the intercalated/exfoliated‐MMT structures and the PEO chain dynamics were discussed. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Synthesis and properties of polyimide (containing naphthalene) nanocomposites with organo‐modified montmorillonites

2,7‐Bis(4‐aminophenoxy) naphthalene (BAPN), a naphthalene‐containing diamine, was synthesized and polymerized with a 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenone tetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) to obtain a polyimide (PI) via thermal imidization. To enhance the thermal and mechanical properties of the polymer, PI–Montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites were prepared from a DMAc solution of poly(amic acid) and a DMAc dispersion of MMT, which were organo‐modified with various amounts of n‐dodecylamine (DOA) or cetylpyridium chloride (CPC). FTIR, XRD, and TEM (transmission electron microscopy) were used to verify the incorporation of the modifying agents into the clay structure and the intercalation of the organoclay into the PI matrix. Results demonstrated that the introduction of a small amount of MMT (up to 5%) led to the improvement in thermal stability and mechanical properties of PI. The decomposition temperature of 5% weight loss (T_d,5%) in N₂ was increased by 46 and 36°C in comparison with pristine PI for the organoclay content of 5% with DOA and CPC, respectively. The nanocomposites were simultaneously strengthened and toughened. The dielectric constant, CTE, and water absorption were decreased. However, at higher organoclay contents (5–10%), these properties were reduced because the organoclay was poorly dispersed and resulted in aggregate formation. The effects of different organo‐modifiers on the properties of PI–MMT nanocomposite were also studied; the results showed that DOA was comparable with CPC. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2006     

Synthesis and characterization of polyurethane/Mg‐Al layered double hydroxide nanocomposites

Layered double hydroxide (LDH) is a new type of nanofiller, which improves the physicochemical properties of the polymer matrix. In this study, 1, 3, 5, and 8 wt % of dodecyl sulfate‐intercalated LDH (DS‐LDH) has been used as nanofiller to prepare a series of thermoplastic polyurethane (PU) nanocomposites by solution intercalation method. PU/DS‐LDH composites so formed have been characterized by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy analysis which show that the DS‐LDH layers are exfoliated at lower filler (1 and 3 wt %) loading followed by intercalation at higher filler (8 wt %) loading. Mechanical properties of the nanocomposite with 3 wt % of DS‐LDH content shows 67% improvement in tensile strength compared to pristine PU, which has been correlated in terms of fracture behavior of the nanocomposites using scanning electron microscope analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis shows that the thermal stability of the nanocomposite with 3 wt % DS‐LDH content is ≈ 29°C higher than neat PU. Limiting oxygen index of the nanocomposites is also improved from 19 to 23% in neat PU and PU/8 wt% DS‐LDH nanocomposites, respectively. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Properties of water‐soluble acrylic copolymer/montmorillonite nanocomposites for warp sizing

Acrylic copolymer/montmorillonite (MMT) nanocomposites for warp sizing were prepared in the presence of Na⁺‐MMT by the in situ intercalative polymerization of acrylic acid, acrylamide, and methyl acrylate in water solution. The properties of the solution and cast film were tested according to an application in sizing process of the nanocomposite size with various MMT contents. The results indicate that, for an exfoliated structure corresponding to the MMT content increasing to 7 wt %, the performance parameters of solution viscosity, glass‐transition temperature, and tensile strength of the film increased and the moisture sorption, abrasion loss, and elongation at break of the film decreased. When the intercalated structure of MMT was 9 wt %, the gathered MMT layers acted as a common inorganic filler in the copolymer matrix, with limited contribution to the properties of the composite. The adhesion work of the nanocomposite solution was calculated by use of the Young–Dupre relation, which showed maximum values at an MMT content of 3 wt % on the surfaces of both the polyester and cellulose films. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010