title: Tailoring shear-stiff, mica-like nanoplatelets.
abstract: This work introduces a novel facile method to produce shear-stiff, mica-like nanoplatelets by efficient exfoliation. The essence of this procedure is the nonreversible alteration of the interlamellar reactivity of a synthetic fluorohectorite by simple cation exchange. The possibility of switching from highly hydrated to collapsed interlayers permits a highly efficient exfoliation in the swollen state while providing shear-stiffness in the collapsed state. This method restricts cation exchange in the mica-like nanoplatelets to the outer surfaces, which represents a significant advantage for use in nanocomposites as compared to conventional organoclays which contain up to 40%/wt of organocations. It is expected that this new type of rigid, shear-stiff, clay-based nanoplatelets will be superior for reinforcement when used in composite materials like polymer layered silicate nanocomposites or artificial nacre.
authors.affiliation: Universitat Bayreuth, Universitatsstrasse 30, 95447 Bayreuth, Germany.
authors.forename: Michael W
authors.initials: MW
authors.lastname: Möller
authors.forename: Ulrich A
authors.initials: UA
authors.lastname: Handge
authors.forename: Daniel A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Kunz
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Lunkenbein
authors.forename: Volker
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Altstädt
authors.forename: Josef
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Breu