article

Abstract

This is a review of the existing studies on the permeability of gas molecules in nano-composite materials that consist of inorganic platelet-shaped  llers in polymeric matrices. We describe the dominant mechanisms for the transport of small molecules in polymers and polymer nanocomposites, as well as the procedures for the measurement of the permeability and the diffusivity. The emphasis is given on the various models that have been proposed for the prediction of permeability in polymer-clay nanocomposites. The influence of the characteristics of the inorganic particles on the barrier properties of the composite membrane is discussed and tested using the model and the available experimental data. Some aspects on the methods of improving the barrier properties of the nanocomposite are examined and a few applications of these materials as gas barriers are presented.

Keywords: Gas permeability, barrier properties, permeation models, nano-clay, nanocomposite

European polymer journal 48, 967-984, 2009

Permeability of polymer/clay nanocomposites. A Review