Polymer Encapsulation of Single Clay Platelets by Emulsion Polymerization Approaches, Thermodynamic, and Kinetic Factors

Polymer encapsulation of clay platelets through (mini)emulsion polymerization can be a versatile method to obtain hybrid nanoparticles with several important applications. However, to achieve actual encapsulation of the single clay platelets inside latex particles is relatively difficult. For single clay platelet encapsulation, complete exfoliation and colloidal stability needs to be achieved as well as kinetic and/or thermodynamic control mechanisms to locate and maintain the position of the single clay platelet on the inside of the latex particle. An overview of these mechanisms will be given and an overview of the most relevant attempts in this area will be discussed in retrospect in the context of a systematic mechanistic understanding.