What is the thermal stability of the organoclay?
The thermal stability of the organoclay is determined by the thermal stability of the onium ion treatment. The TGA curve for Cloisite® 20A and Cloisite® 15A is available (TGA figure). These results show the onset of decomposition begins above 200°C for the onium ion on montmorillonite. However, the onset temperature does not consider the kinetic of decomposition. We do not have data on the kinetics of the onium ion decomposition. Taking into consideration of the thermal stability of the organoclay, extrusion is still an acceptable process to make many nanocomposites. Physical property results have been presented, tensile modulus as an example,(Tensile Modulus figure) comparing PA6 nanocomposite prepared by the in situ and melt blended process. After normalization for mineral content, the modulus results are comparable. Significant decomposition of the onium ion on montmorillonite would plasticize the PA6 nanocomposite yielding a difference in modulus of melt blended and in situ polymer
