A site-directed spin-labeling study of surfactants in polymer–clay nanocomposites

Polymer–clay nanocomposites exhibit much improved mechanical, physical, and chemical properties compared to the pure polymer. The interaction of polymer and organically modified silicates is mainly influenced by the surfactant layer in the system. To investigate the structure and dynamics of this surfactant layer, various electron paramagnetic spectroscopy (EPR) techniques were applied. Continuous wave EPR experiments showed a temperature-dependent heterogeneous mobility of the surfactant layer in organoclay as well as a difference in dynamics along the alkyl chain. Intercalation of polystyrene causes a significant slowdown in surfactant dynamics. Electron spin echo envelope modulation indicates a closer contact of the polymer with the mid of the surfactant tail than with the end of the tail. From the obtained data the picture of flatly lying surfactants on clay platelets with a mobility gradient along their alkyl chains can be drawn.