Layered silicates with a montmorillonite structure: Preparation and prospects for the use in polymer nanocomposites

Layered silicate nanostructures corresponding to the general formula of the natural mineral montmorillonite are prepared under hydrothermal conditions. It is demonstrated that the phase and chemical compositions of layered silicates and the sizes of their particles can be controlled by varying the hydrothermal synthesis conditions. The possibility of controlling the characteristics of synthetic layered silicates makes them promising as materials for use in the preparation of polymer-inorganic nanocomposites with specified properties.