When polymers with the added clay burn, the clay forms a char layer on the outside that insulates the material beneath. However, synthetic clays, because of their tailored properties, may prove essential for high added value products, such as in biomedical devices and space applications. These natural clays are currently in use to prevent paint from dripping, cosmetics shining and also in some pharmaceuticals. As they are already approved by the Food and Drug Administration, there will be no delays in incorporating them into plastic. The thermodynamics drive the manometer dispersion of the clay through the polymer and the small amounts of clay do not cause any wear in the equipment.
Manufacturers can use the same equipment, timing and settings as in their normal process.
Despite the possibilities that clay holds for plastics, Manias continues to look for other alternatives to add. He is also looking at polymer nanocomposites that contain platelets of metal and ceramic nanoparticles instead of clay. These ultra-small fillers require different surfactants and offer much more flexibility, especially where cost can be increased. All rights reserved.