| abstract |
The present invention relates to a composition comprising a polymer having dispersed therein at least one layered clay material which has been cation exchanged with an organic cation salts represented by Formula (I) wherein M represents either nitrogen or phosphorous; X- represents an anion selected from the group consisting of halogen, hydroxide, or acetate anions, preferably chloride and bromide; R¿1? is selected from the group consisting of straight and branched alkyl groups having at least 8 carbon atoms; R2, R3, and R4 are independently selected from straight or branched alkyl groups having 1 to four carbon atoms; and at least one expanding agent which is compatible with said polymer. Preferred polymers include polyesters. The compositions of the present invention show vastly improved platelet separation as evidenced by higher than previously reported basal spacing. |