Making Nano Technology Work in Foams using 1.5 Nanometer Titanate and Zirconate Coupling Agents - A Review

A review of data and references are provided to demonstrate the efficacy of titanates and zirconates in foamed unfilled and filled polymers with an emphasis on their recent application in nanocomposites. Titanates (and zirconates) are shown to catalyze a polymer - called Repolymerization by the author - to increase its stress-strain strength thereby creating finer cells and reducing open cell structure because the polymer bubble does not break while being foamed. Additives such as foaming agents, fillers and reinforcements are shown to be dispersed better reducing interfacial failure. The chemistry of the Six Functions of the titanate molecule are discussed along with selection, dosage, the physics of mixing, catalysis and rheology, mixing temperatures, compounding considerations such as initial boiling point, and the chemistry at the interface of nano particulates.