Nanoclay Mechanism of Action on Thermal Stability of Polymer Nanocomposites

It is often disputed if nanoclay enhances the thermal properties of polymer nanocomposites. Scientists all over the world have reported different and some times contradictory results concerning this issue. There are papers suggested that nanoclay is a factor in improving the thermal properties، while there are other reports on its reducing effect on thermal resistance. It seems that nanoclay has two opposite actions. The barrier effect which should improve the thermal stability of a blend by char formation and the promoter effect which may encourage the degradation process and reduce the thermal stability of the system. Therefore it is important to focus on this subject in order to study the conditions affecting thermal stability of nanocomposites and the mechanism by which nanoclays improve the thermal properties of a blend.