Patent ID: 7691932

Claim:
A method of making a composition, the method comprising: mixing components comprising a first layered silicate having a first d-layer spacing, a block copolymer having at least one block that is capable of intercalating the first layered silicate, and a solvent to provide a first mixture, wherein the first mixture contains from at least 10 percent by weight of the solvent, based on the total weight of the first mixture; kneading the first mixture under vacuum using a vacuum kneader while removing the solvent from the first mixture to provide a second mixture comprising from about 0.2 to about 0.5 percent by weight of the solvent, based on the total weight of the second mixture, the kneading comprising contacting the first mixture with a kneading member, wherein the second mixture comprises the block copolymer having dispersed therein at least one of: a) a second layered silicate having a second d-layer spacing resulting from intercalation of the first layered silicate by the block copolymer, the second d-layer spacing being greater than the first d-layer spacing; or b) exfoliated silicate platelets.