The enhancement in mechanical properties of polymer
nanocomposites can be attributed to the high rigidity and
aspect ratio of nanoclay together with the good affinity
through interfacial interaction between polymer matrix
and dispersed nanoclay.
Polymer nanocomposites have excellent barrier properties
against gases (e.g., O2 and CO2) and water vapor.
Studies have shown that such reduction in gas permeability
of nanocomposites strongly depends on the type of
clay (i.e., compatibility between clay and polymer matrix),
aspect ratio of clay platelets, and structure of the nanocomposites.
In general, the best gas barrier properties would be
obtained in polymer nanocomposites with fully exfoliated
clay minerals with large aspect ratio