Nanocomposites from poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) ionomers: effect of surfactant structure on morphology and properties

A detailed study of the structure–property relationships for nanocomposites prepared using melt processing techniques from a sodium ionomer of poly(ethylene-co-methacrylic acid) and a series of organoclays is reported. Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray scattering, stress-strain behavior, and Izod impact analysis were used to evaluate the nanocomposite morphology and physical properties. Four distinct surfactant structural effects lead to...