Intercalates and exfoliates formed from layered materials and dendritic
polymers are disclosed, together with the uses of these materials, e.g.
in producing composite materials. The dispersion of layered materials in
a dendritic polymer matrix (hyperbranched polymers, star shaped polymers
or star branched polymers) or has not been disclosed in the prior art.
The high number of end-groups per molecule of dendritic polymer combined
with their unique globular architectures leads to large intergallery
spacings when intercalated in layered silicates and particularly facile
exfoliation in spite of the high molar mass of the dendritic polymer. The
excellent processability and potential high reactivity of dendritic
polymers makes them extremely promising for thermoset applications, and
coatings.