Polymer Films Possessing Nanoreinforcements via Organically Modified Layered Silicate

UV-curable polymer films were prepared containing a commercially available, organically modified montmorillonite (MMT). It is believed that nanoclay-containing UV-curable polymers can find wide ranging applications in future microelectronic materials. Polymer films containing the commercially available MMT clay (Nanomer) exhibited enhancements in properties. The polymer films were studied with various microanalytical techniques including XRD, TEM, and SEM to determine their micromorphology. Physical properties and curing kinetics were examined using FTIR and thermal analysis. It was found that the incorporation of clay reduced cure time. Tensile modulus, strength, and glass transition temperature all increased with clay content. Dimensional stability improved with addition of clay. Adhesion between the UV-curable film and polysulfone substrate also dramatically improved. The presence of commercially modified MMT clay, however, rendered the polymers more susceptible to thermal degradation.