Should I dry my Cloisite® nanoclay before making a nanocomposite?
There is not a simple answer to that question and often the best way to determine an answer is to run some comparative experiments. Clay agglomeration during extruder processing is minimized by drying the Cloisite® (montmorillonite is a great desiccant and will have residual moisture unless that moisture is removed and then care needs to be taken to prevent moisture from being reabsorbed (Moisture Uptake Figure). Clay agglomerates can lead to surface defects in injection molded parts. Clay agglomerates can reduce impact strength. The appearance of gels or unmelts in nanocomposite film can be attributed to clay agglomeration. One should also refer to question 5 for the affect of processing on nanoclay agglomeration.
