Nanoparticles may affect secondary pollutants such as copper. Layer Double Hydroxides (LDH) are synthetically produced nanoparticles that adsorb copper via cation exchange. Pretreatment of copper test solutions with LDH nanoparticles followed by filtration removal of LDH nanoparticles demonstrated the smallest LDH aggregates removed the most copper toxicity. This was due to increased surface area for cation exchange relative to larger particle aggregates. Co-exposure tests of copper chloride and clay were run to determine if smaller clay particles increased copper uptake by D. magna. Coexposure treatments had lower LC50 values compared to the filtration tests, likely as a result of additive toxicity. LDH nanoclays do reduce copper toxicity in Daphnia magna and may serve as a remediation tool.

There is a raising need to design a safe and efficient cryogenic fuel tank for the new generation of reusable launch vehicles. The new tank design focuses on composite materials that can achieve the drastic reduction of empty/non-payload and structural weight. In addition to the materials to be compatible with cryogenic temperatures, interior components of the vehicle may be subjected to significantly elevated temperatures due to heat conduction from the vehicle surfaces during and after atmospheric re-entry. Therefore, there is the need to understand the performance of the composites after experiencing extreme thermal environments. Polymer-layered nanocomposites were studied to determine if they can reduce the permeation to the liquid nitrogen used as fuel in the next generation of space vehicles. Due to the non-permeable nature of the silicates and the exfoliated structure they adopt into the polymer matrix the addition of nanoclays into a polymer is expected to reduce the permeation to several gases without sacrificing the mechanical strength of the nanocomposite as well as providing additional improvements such as increase of thermal stability of the nanocomposite. Several types of matrixes modified with different types and content of nanoclays were tested and their permeability coefficient was calculated. The permeability values obtained for the different formulations assisted to understand the transport properties of nanoclay modified composites. In addition to this, thermal characterization was performed with the help of dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analyses and differential scanning calorimetry studies. To determine if the nanoclay modified nanocomposites were affected by extreme temperatures the samples were subjected to thermal cycling. Comparison of the transport and thermal properties before and after cycling helped to analyze the effect of the addition of the nanoclays in the nanocomposites. Positron annihilation spectroscopy (PAS) was utilized to comprehend how the distribution of the free volume was affected by the presence of the nanoclays and by the thermal cycling applied. Different permeability models were utilized in an attempt to validate the experimental results of the different nanocomposite structures. This analysis was used to provide additional insight into many aspects of the experimental results obtained in this study.

O polímero Acrilonitrila Butadieno Estireno (ABS) é um dos polímeros mais versáteis disponíveis nos dias de hoje. Atualmente o Brasil não produz o ABS, o que limita a indústria brasileira de plásticos a utilizar as variações deste polímero importadas, ofertadas no mercado nacional por distribuidores locais. Este estudo avaliou os efeitos da adição das argilas Cloisite Na® e Branca de Cubati na matriz polimérica ABS e também os efeitos decorrentes do tratamento por radiação ionizante no ABS e nos compósitos ABS/Argila como formas de modificação de um ABS convencional. Visando avaliar a diferença entre uma argila organofílica e uma organofóbica, a argila Branca de Cubati foi organofilizada e a argila Cloisite Na® foi utilizada como recebida. Foram preparados, utilizando uma extrusora dupla rosca, concentrados a 30 % em massa da argila Branca de Cubati, previamente organofilizada e da Cloisite Na® em Estireno Acrilonitrila (SAN). Os concentrados foram adicionados ao ABS a 1, 3 e 5 % em massa das argilas e foram injetados corpos de prova. Parte dos corpos de prova foi submetida à irradiação por feixe de elétrons à uma dose de 600 kGy. Os compósitos irradiados e não irradiados foram caracterizados por meio de ensaios de resistência a tração, resistência a flexão, resistência ao impacto, temperatura de distorção térmica, ponto de amolecimento Vicat, análise de termogravimétrica (TG), difração de raios X e microscopia eletrônica de varredura com emissão de campo (MEVFEG) e a correlação entre os resultados foi discutida. Foram observadas melhorias nas propriedades mecânicas, exceto resistência ao impacto, nos materiais aditivados com as argilas, sendo os melhores resultados obtidos com a argila Branca de Cubati. O tratamento por radiação ionizante favoreceu o processo de reticulação do ABS. / The polymer Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is one of the most versatile polymers available today. Currently, Brazil does not produce ABS, which limits the Brazilian plastics industry to use the variations of this polymer imported, offered in the national market by local distributors. This study evaluated the effects of adding Cloisite Na® and Cubati Light Cream clays to the ABS polymer matrix and also the effects of ionizing radiation treatment on ABS and ABS/Clay composites as a way to modify a conventional ABS. Clays are naturally hydrophilic. Thus, in order to evaluate the difference between an organophilic clay and an organophobic, the Light Cream of Cubati was organophilized and the Cloisite Na® clay was used as received. A pre-organophilized Light Cream of Cubati and Cloisite Na® in Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN) were prepared using a double screw extruder. The concentrates were added to the 1, 3 and 5% by weight ABS of the clays and specimens were injected. Part of the specimens was subjected to electron beam irradiation at a dose of 600 kGy. The irradiated and non-irradiated composites were characterized by tests of tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, thermal distortion temperature, Vicat softening point, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy of Field-emission scanning (SEM-FEG) and the correlation between the results was discussed. Improvements in mechanical properties were observed, except for impact resistance, in the materials added with the clays, and the best results were obtained with Cubati White clay. The treatment by ionizing radiation favored the ABS crosslinking process

O polímero Acrilonitrila Butadieno Estireno (ABS) é um dos polímeros mais versáteis disponíveis nos dias de hoje. Atualmente o Brasil não produz o ABS, o que limita a indústria brasileira de plásticos a utilizar as variações deste polímero importadas, ofertadas no mercado nacional por distribuidores locais. Este estudo avaliou os efeitos da adição das argilas Cloisite Na® e Branca de Cubati na matriz polimérica ABS e também os efeitos decorrentes do tratamento por radiação ionizante no ABS e nos compósitos ABS/Argila como formas de modificação de um ABS convencional. Visando avaliar a diferença entre uma argila organofílica e uma organofóbica, a argila Branca de Cubati foi organofilizada e a argila Cloisite Na® foi utilizada como recebida. Foram preparados, utilizando uma extrusora dupla rosca, concentrados a 30 % em massa da argila Branca de Cubati, previamente organofilizada e da Cloisite Na® em Estireno Acrilonitrila (SAN). Os concentrados foram adicionados ao ABS a 1, 3 e 5 % em massa das argilas e foram injetados corpos de prova. Parte dos corpos de prova foi submetida à irradiação por feixe de elétrons à uma dose de 600 kGy. Os compósitos irradiados e não irradiados foram caracterizados por meio de ensaios de resistência a tração, resistência a flexão, resistência ao impacto, temperatura de distorção térmica, ponto de amolecimento Vicat, análise de termogravimétrica (TG), difração de raios X e microscopia eletrônica de varredura com emissão de campo (MEVFEG) e a correlação entre os resultados foi discutida. Foram observadas melhorias nas propriedades mecânicas, exceto resistência ao impacto, nos materiais aditivados com as argilas, sendo os melhores resultados obtidos com a argila Branca de Cubati. O tratamento por radiação ionizante favoreceu o processo de reticulação do ABS. / The polymer Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is one of the most versatile polymers available today. Currently, Brazil does not produce ABS, which limits the Brazilian plastics industry to use the variations of this polymer imported, offered in the national market by local distributors. This study evaluated the effects of adding Cloisite Na® and Cubati Light Cream clays to the ABS polymer matrix and also the effects of ionizing radiation treatment on ABS and ABS/Clay composites as a way to modify a conventional ABS. Clays are naturally hydrophilic. Thus, in order to evaluate the difference between an organophilic clay and an organophobic, the Light Cream of Cubati was organophilized and the Cloisite Na® clay was used as received. A pre-organophilized Light Cream of Cubati and Cloisite Na® in Styrene Acrylonitrile (SAN) were prepared using a double screw extruder. The concentrates were added to the 1, 3 and 5% by weight ABS of the clays and specimens were injected. Part of the specimens was subjected to electron beam irradiation at a dose of 600 kGy. The irradiated and non-irradiated composites were characterized by tests of tensile strength, flexural strength, impact strength, thermal distortion temperature, Vicat softening point, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy of Field-emission scanning (SEM-FEG) and the correlation between the results was discussed. Improvements in mechanical properties were observed, except for impact resistance, in the materials added with the clays, and the best results were obtained with Cubati White clay. The treatment by ionizing radiation favored the ABS crosslinking process

O problema ocasionado pela contração de polimerização é crítico, pois a resina composta deve conservar-se intimamente ligada à cavidade dentária enquanto ganha rigidez e diminui suas dimensões. Forçando-se o material restaurador a se distanciar, ou se separar das paredes da cavidade, a consequente ruptura levaria a uma microinfiltração marginal responsável por outros problemas tais como a cárie secundária, sensibilidade dolorosa pós-operatória, podendo até provocar alterações pulpares. Este processo induz a alteração volumétrica do composto, dado pela união de radicais na formação da macromolécula (polímero), causando uma diminuição em seu volume. Esse estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver novos compósitos experimentais, por meio da adição de nanocomponentes argilominerais em uma matriz polimérica a base de BisGMA/TEGDMA, para que assim se avalie a possibilidade de ocorrer um comportamento dimensional diferenciado no decorrer da polimerização. Foram utilizados nesse estudo matrizes poliméricas adicionadas com nanopartículas argilominerais MMT Cloisite 10A® (nas concentrações de 50, 55, 60, 65 e 70% em massa) e Cloisite 30B® (nas concentrações de 50, 55, 60 e 65% em massa) , que posteriormente foram comparados com o desempenho de compósitos experimentais adicionados com partículas micro-híbridas de Sílica Silanizada Aerosil® OX-50 ( nas concentrações de 50, 60, 65 e 70% em massa). Foram utilizados os métodos de caracterização: Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV), Análise Térmica-Mecânica (TMA), Análise de Termogravimetria (TGA), Calorimetria Exploratória Diferencial (DSC), Espectroscopia de Absorção na Região do Infravermelho (FTIR), Difração de Raio-X (DRX), Micro Dureza Knoop, Técnica de Interferometria Holográfica (TIH), Holografia Digital (HD), Correlação de Imagem (CI) e Termografia. Foi observado que os compósitos experimentais adicionados com as nanopartículas argilominerais Cloisite 10A® e Cloisite 30B®, apresentaram um melhor desempenho nos ensaios que mensuraram a contração de polimerização (TMA, TIH/HD/CI) e a micro dureza (Knoop), em relação aos compósitos adicionados com a Sílica Aerosil®OX-50. Esses resultados podem estar relacionados pela interação polímero /argila e pela formação de nanocompósitos, observados pela análise de DRX. Entre as nanopartículas estudadas, a Cloisite 30B® apresentou os resultados mais expressivos em relação a nanopartícula Cloisite 10A® e isso pode ser atribuído a afinidade química e a natureza polar da referida nanopartícula. / The problem caused by polymerization shrinkage is critical, because the resin must to remain closely in the tooth cavity while gaining rigidity and decrease its dimensions. Forcing the restorative material to distance or to separate the walls of the cavity, the resulting disruption would lead to microleakage, responsible for other problems such as secondary caries, postoperative soreness and may even cause pulpal changes. This process induces the volumetric change of the compound, given by the union of radicals in the formation of the macromolecule (polymer), causing a decrease in volume. This study aimed to develop new experimental composites through the addition of nano components clay minerals in a polymer matrix-based BisGMA / TEGDMA, to evaluate the possibility of a different dimensional behavior during the polymerization. Were used in this study, experimental composites added nanoparticle clay MMT Cloisite ® 10A (at concentrations of 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70 wt%) and Cloisite ® 30B (at concentrations of 50, 55, 60 and 65 wt%), which were then compared with the performance of the experimental composites added with micro-particles of silanized silica hybrid Aerosil OX-50 ® (at concentrations of 50, 60, 65 and 70 wt%). Was used the methods of characterization: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermal-Mechanical Analysis (TMA), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Absorption Spectroscopy in the Region of the Infrared (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Micro Hardness Knoop, Holographic Interferometry Technique (HIT), Digital Holography (DH), Correlation Image (CI) and Thermography. It was observed that the experimental composites with nanoparticles added clay Cloisite ® 10A and Cloisite ® 30B, performed better on tests that measured the polymerization shrinkage (TMA, HIT / HD / IC) and the micro hardness (Knoop), in relation to composites added with Silica Aerosil OX-50®. These results may be related to the interaction polymer / clay and the nanocomposites formation, observed by XRD analysis. Among the nanoparticles studied, the Cloisite ® 30B showed the most significant results in relation to the nanoparticle Cloisite ® 10A and this can be attributed to chemical affinity and polar nature of that nanoparticle.

O problema ocasionado pela contração de polimerização é crítico, pois a resina composta deve conservar-se intimamente ligada à cavidade dentária enquanto ganha rigidez e diminui suas dimensões. Forçando-se o material restaurador a se distanciar, ou se separar das paredes da cavidade, a consequente ruptura levaria a uma microinfiltração marginal responsável por outros problemas tais como a cárie secundária, sensibilidade dolorosa pós-operatória, podendo até provocar alterações pulpares. Este processo induz a alteração volumétrica do composto, dado pela união de radicais na formação da macromolécula (polímero), causando uma diminuição em seu volume. Esse estudo teve como objetivo desenvolver novos compósitos experimentais, por meio da adição de nanocomponentes argilominerais em uma matriz polimérica a base de BisGMA/TEGDMA, para que assim se avalie a possibilidade de ocorrer um comportamento dimensional diferenciado no decorrer da polimerização. Foram utilizados nesse estudo matrizes poliméricas adicionadas com nanopartículas argilominerais MMT Cloisite 10A® (nas concentrações de 50, 55, 60, 65 e 70% em massa) e Cloisite 30B® (nas concentrações de 50, 55, 60 e 65% em massa) , que posteriormente foram comparados com o desempenho de compósitos experimentais adicionados com partículas micro-híbridas de Sílica Silanizada Aerosil® OX-50 ( nas concentrações de 50, 60, 65 e 70% em massa). Foram utilizados os métodos de caracterização: Microscopia Eletrônica de Varredura (MEV), Análise Térmica-Mecânica (TMA), Análise de Termogravimetria (TGA), Calorimetria Exploratória Diferencial (DSC), Espectroscopia de Absorção na Região do Infravermelho (FTIR), Difração de Raio-X (DRX), Micro Dureza Knoop, Técnica de Interferometria Holográfica (TIH), Holografia Digital (HD), Correlação de Imagem (CI) e Termografia. Foi observado que os compósitos experimentais adicionados com as nanopartículas argilominerais Cloisite 10A® e Cloisite 30B®, apresentaram um melhor desempenho nos ensaios que mensuraram a contração de polimerização (TMA, TIH/HD/CI) e a micro dureza (Knoop), em relação aos compósitos adicionados com a Sílica Aerosil®OX-50. Esses resultados podem estar relacionados pela interação polímero /argila e pela formação de nanocompósitos, observados pela análise de DRX. Entre as nanopartículas estudadas, a Cloisite 30B® apresentou os resultados mais expressivos em relação a nanopartícula Cloisite 10A® e isso pode ser atribuído a afinidade química e a natureza polar da referida nanopartícula. / The problem caused by polymerization shrinkage is critical, because the resin must to remain closely in the tooth cavity while gaining rigidity and decrease its dimensions. Forcing the restorative material to distance or to separate the walls of the cavity, the resulting disruption would lead to microleakage, responsible for other problems such as secondary caries, postoperative soreness and may even cause pulpal changes. This process induces the volumetric change of the compound, given by the union of radicals in the formation of the macromolecule (polymer), causing a decrease in volume. This study aimed to develop new experimental composites through the addition of nano components clay minerals in a polymer matrix-based BisGMA / TEGDMA, to evaluate the possibility of a different dimensional behavior during the polymerization. Were used in this study, experimental composites added nanoparticle clay MMT Cloisite ® 10A (at concentrations of 50, 55, 60, 65 and 70 wt%) and Cloisite ® 30B (at concentrations of 50, 55, 60 and 65 wt%), which were then compared with the performance of the experimental composites added with micro-particles of silanized silica hybrid Aerosil OX-50 ® (at concentrations of 50, 60, 65 and 70 wt%). Was used the methods of characterization: Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Thermal-Mechanical Analysis (TMA), Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA), Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), Absorption Spectroscopy in the Region of the Infrared (FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Micro Hardness Knoop, Holographic Interferometry Technique (HIT), Digital Holography (DH), Correlation Image (CI) and Thermography. It was observed that the experimental composites with nanoparticles added clay Cloisite ® 10A and Cloisite ® 30B, performed better on tests that measured the polymerization shrinkage (TMA, HIT / HD / IC) and the micro hardness (Knoop), in relation to composites added with Silica Aerosil OX-50®. These results may be related to the interaction polymer / clay and the nanocomposites formation, observed by XRD analysis. Among the nanoparticles studied, the Cloisite ® 30B showed the most significant results in relation to the nanoparticle Cloisite ® 10A and this can be attributed to chemical affinity and polar nature of that nanoparticle.

In this thesis, there were four purposes. The first one was to investigate effects of nanoclays (NC) on the flammability behavior of polystyrene (PS). The second purpose was to investigate contribution of nanoclays to the flame retardancy performance of conventional phosphorus based flame retardant / triphenyl phosphate (TPP) and its synergist melamine cyanurate (MCA). For the third purpose contribution of nanoclays to the flame retardancy performance of another conventional halogenated flame retardant / brominated epoxy polymer (BE) and its synergist antimony trioxide (AO) was investigated. As the fourth purpose, effects of another nanoadditive / carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the flammability behavior of PS with and without BE-AO flame retardant system was investigated. Materials were prepared via &ldquo / solution mixing&rdquo / method, while test specimens were shaped by compression and injection molding. Flammability behaviors were investigated by Mass Loss Cone Calorimeter (MLC), Limiting Oxygen Index (LOI) and UL-94 Vertical Burning tests. Other characterization techniques required in this thesis were / X-ray diffraction analyses, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analyses and tensile tests. It was revealed that use of nanoclays improved flame retardancy of PS significantly, mainly with &ldquo / condensed phase&rdquo / mechanism via formation of strong char barrier layers inhibiting mass and heat transfer. When nanoclays were used together with conventional flame retardant systems TPP-MCA and BE-AO, flame retardancy parameters improved further, this time due to the &ldquo / synergistic action&rdquo / of &ldquo / condensed phase mechanism&rdquo / of nanoclays and &ldquo / gas phase mechanism&rdquo / of the conventional systems. Use of carbon nanotubes also resulted in improvements in the flame retardancy of PS. However, &ldquo / condensed phase mechanism&rdquo / of CNTs were not as effective as the NCs, which might be due to the lower performance of 1D geometry (CNTs) compared to higher efficiency of 2D geometry (NC) in barrier formation. As an additional purpose, effects of mixing methods in the production of PS-Nanoclay composites were also investigated. It was seen that compared to &ldquo / solution mixing&rdquo / use of &ldquo / in-situ polymerization&rdquo / resulted in poorer flame retardancy parameters that might basically be due to residual monomers or oligomers left during polymerization.

Polyamide 6 (PA6) was melt-blended with an intumescent flame retardant (FR) and nanoparticles (multi-wall carbon nanotubes [MWNTs] and nanoclays) to produce multi-component FR-PA6 nanocomposites. Thermal, flammability properties, char residue morphology, and mechanical properties of FR-PA6 nanocomposites were characterized. The flame retardant properties were enhanced according to UL 94 and microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC) measurements, whereas the thermal stability was decreased. Mechanical properties of the bulk material, especially elongation at break, were severely reduced, with the exception of tensile modulus which increased significantly. FR-PA6 nanofibers were processed via electrospinning. Electrospinnability, morphology of the nanofibers, combustion, and thermal properties were also analyzed. As for the bulk-form nanocomposite, improved combustion properties of these nanofibers were successfully achieved though thermal stability was compromised. With proper FR additive, the synergism between MWNTs and nanoclays was observed in PA6 resin. / text

The advancement of each component of aerospace vehicles is necessary as the continual demand for more aggressive missions are created. Improvements in propulsion and guidance system electronics are invaluable; however without material development to protect the vehicle from its environment those advances will not have a practical application. Thermal protection systems (TPS) are required in both external applications; for example on reentry vehicles, as well as in internal applications; to protect the casing of rockets and missiles. This dissertation focuses on a specific type of internal solid rocket motor TPS, ablatives. Ablatives have been used for decades on aerospace vehicles. To protect the motor from the hostile environment, these materials pyrolyze and char. Both of these mechanisms produce a boundary between the combustion gases and the motor as well as release the heat that the decomposed material has absorbed. These sacrificial materials are intended to protect the casing that it is attached to. With the development of polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) in the last couple of decades, it is of interest to see how these two fields can merge. Three different nanomaterials (carbon nanofibers, multiwall carbon nanotubes, and nanoclays) are examined to observe how each behaves in environments that simulate the motor firing conditions. These nanomaterials are individually added to a thermoplastic polyurethane elastomer (TPU) at different loadings, creating three distinct families of polymer nanocomposites. To describe a materials ablative performance, a number of material properties must be individually studied; such as thermal, density, porosity, char strength, and rheology. Different experiments are conducted to isolate specific ablative processes in order to identify how each nanomaterial affects the ablative performance. This dissertation first describes each material and the ablative processes which are characterized by each experiment. Then basic material properties of each family of materials are described. Degradation and flammability experiments then describe the degassing processes. Studies of the material char are then performed after full blown rocket experiments are done. These tests have shown that of the three nanomaterials, nanoclay enhances the TPU ablative performance the most while the CNF provides the least enhancement. / text

Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) is one of the most important polymers in use today for packaging due to its outstanding properties. The usage of PET has grown at the highest rate compared with other plastic packaging over the last 20 years, and it is anticipated that the increase in global demand will be around 6% in the 2010-2015 period. The rheological behaviour, thermal properties, tensile modulus, permeability properties and degradation phenomena of PET/clay nanocomposites have been investigated in this project. An overall, important finding is that incorporation of nanoclays in PET gives rise to improvements in several key process and product parameters together - processability/ reduced process energy, thermal properties, barrier properties and stiffness. The PET pellets have been compounded with carefully selected nanoclays (Somasif MAE, Somasif MTE and Cloisite 25A) via twin screw extrusion to produce PET/clay nanocomposites at various weight fractions of nanoclay (1, 3, 5, 20 wt.%). The nanoclays vary in the aspect ratio of the platelets, surfactant and/or gallery spacing so different effect are to be expected. The materials were carefully prepared prior to processing in terms of sufficient drying and re-crystallisation of the amorphous pellets as well as the use of dual motor feeders for feeding the materials to the extruder. The rheological properties of PET melts have been found to be enhanced by decreasing the viscosity of the PET i.e. increasing the 'flowability' of the PET melt during the injection or/and extrusion processes. The apparent shear viscosity of PETNCs is show to be significantly lower than un-filled PET at high shear rates. The viscosity exhibits shear thinning behaviour which can be explained by two mechanisms which can occur simultaneously. The first mechanism proposed is that some polymer has entangled and few oriented molecular chain at rest and when applying high shear rates, the level of entanglements is reduced and the molecular chains tend to orient with the flow direction. The other mechanism is that the nanoparticles align with the flow direction at high shear rates. At low shear rate, the magnitudes of the shear viscosity are dependent on the nanoclay concentrations and processing shear rate. Increasing nanoclay concentration leads to increases in shear viscosity. The viscosity was observed to deviate from Newtonian behaviour and exhibited shear thinning at a 3 wt.% concentration. It is possible that the formation of aggregates of clay is responsible for an increase in shear viscosity. Reducing the shear viscosity has positive benefits for downstream manufacturers by reducing power consumption. It was observed that all ii three nanoclays used in this project act as nucleation agents for crystallisation by increasing the crystallisation temperature from the melt and decreasing the crystallisation temperature from the solid and increasing the crystallisation rate, while retaining the melt temperature and glass transition temperatures without significant change. This enhancement in the thermal properties leads to a decrease in the required cycle time for manufacturing processes thus potentially reducing operational costs and increasing production output. It was observed that the nanoclay significantly enhanced the barrier properties of the PET film by up to 50% this potentially allows new PET packaging applications for longer shelf lives or high gas pressures. PET final products require high stiffness whether for carbonated soft drinks or rough handling during distribution. The PET/Somasif nanocomposites exhibit an increase in the tensile modulus of PET nanocomposite films by up to 125% which can be attributed to many reasons including the good dispersion of these clays within the PET matrix as shown by TEM images as well as the good compatibility between the PET chains and the Somasif clays. The tensile test results for the PET/clay nanocomposites micro-moulded samples shows that the injection speed is crucial factor affecting the mechanical properties of polymer injection moulded products.