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Recent Developments
A new organoclay phase was recently discovered which is transparent, colorless and has a low yield stress.  The material is a newly discovered fractal fluid that is soluble in hydrophobic phases like mineral oil and polyethylene and polypropylene.  This unique fluid-like phase is generated by compression of organoclays at room temperature.  Moderate pressures cause the organoclay to liquefy and phase separate from organoclay booklets. 

Another class of organoclay-based fractal fluid has also been discovered.  This material is a colorless, (even when the starting clay is colored, such as a  Wyoming bentonite) transparent fluid at room temperatures and below, and is soluble in polyolefins and organic solvents.  This material is produced by applying proprietary surfactants to montmorillonite, mica, and vermiculite surfaces to generate a self-dispersing fractal-structured assembly.

Surfactant technologies are available to promote dispersion of mineral fillers into polyolefins and increase mechanical properties, including HDT, impact, and modulus.  Examples include calcite, talc, wollastonite, zeolite, and attapulgite.  Improved composite properties are achieved by unique, low-cost chemistries which enhance the physico-chemical interactions between the mineral surface and the polymer matrix.

Some applications of these materials include:

• Barrier coatings for OLED systems
• Additives for improved gas barrier and water-resistance in polyolefins and polyolefin composites
• Cosmetic applications, e.g. greaseless hand creams, sunscreens, topical ointments and astrigents
• Rheology modifiers for water- and oil-based system
• Time released therapeutic agents
• Time released insect repellants for application to clothing in military and civilian use
• Sensor materials
• Heat transfer fluids
• Single-ion conductors for use in Li+ batteries and proton conducting membranes
• Homeland security applications as super adsorbents - engineered clay systems contain 500 m2/g external surface area, promising rapid mass transfer that is many times higher than conventional organoclays
• Low-cost liquid crystal systems for electronic displays (the clay platelets are highly anisotropic with aspect ratios as high as 500)
• ‘dry’ lubricants especially suitable for vacuum applications
• Non-migratory surfactants to aid dispersion of polar materials into hydrophobic polymers, and are especially useful in formulating water-based, emulsion polymerization systems