View source for Layered Double Hydroxide Mateials

Current research projects at UP consider the use of both synthetic and natural clays for use as functional materials. Benign polymer additives are a particular focus. The following projects are active:
* Nanoclays as controlled release vehicles for insecticides
* Synthesis and intercalation methods for layered double hydroxides from inexpensive raw materials
* Layered double hydroxides as heat stabilisers for PVC 
* Intercalated clays and graphites to enhance fire resistance, thermal and electrical conductivity or mechanical properties of polyolefins

To date the research has led to several novel technologies.

One such a technology is a procedure for intercalation of clays and a degradable polymer technology. Such degradable polymer technology has been put forward as a possible litter reduction strategy. IAM developed degradation enhancing additives based on nanostructured anionic clays. The idea is to accelerate the natural sunlight mediated degradation pathways of a littered plastic object, e.g. shopping bags. The technology was patented locally and licensed to Evergreen. Commercialisation of this new nanotechnology route for controlled lifetime plastics is being investigated.



= Layered Double Hydroxide synthesis, modification and applications =
[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrotalcite Hydrotalcite] and [http://www.mindat.org/min-1968.html Hydrocalumite] are [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Layered_double_hydroxide layered double hydroxides]. Hydrotalcite is a natural occurring mineral. They are used for the following:
* [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fire-retardant Fire-retardant]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stabilizer_for_polymers Polymer stabilisers]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catalysis Catalists]
* For [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Water_treatment Water treatment]

The intercalation (the modification of the interlayer anion) of LHD materials have led to the development of advanced heat stabilisers for PVC and other polymer additives on which research is currently being done. 

A local patent by one of the researchers in the group revealed a novel synthesis method for layered double hydroxides from inexpensive run-of-the-mine raw materials.  Of late, layered double hydroxides synthesised from other run-of-the-mine and recycled raw materials have successfully been prepared by applying the technology.  These materials show a significant cost advantage compared to current commercial materials.  Work is currently being done to optimise the synthesis method and develop mew markets and applications for the materials.


Back to [[Institute for Applied Materials]].