In this paper, kaolinite/DMSO intercalate was used as precursor, and then carboxymethyl starch (CMS) was introduced by two-step intercalation to prepare kaolinite/CMS nanocomposite. According to the analysis of XRD, FUR, SEM and EDS, it can be seen that the layers of kaolinite were exfoliated by the intercalation of carboxymethyl starch and the layers dispersed into the carboxymethyl starch. Kaolinite/CMS exfoliated nanocomposite obviously improves its electrorheological activity at direct current electric field. With the component ratio of the nanocomposite closing to 1:1, a strong synergetic effect occurs and the optimum electrorheological effect can be attained. Furthermore, we also find that the electrorheological effect is associated with the content of CMS.

Key words: KAOLINE, STARCH, NANOPHASE MATERIALS, COMPOSITE MATERIALS, DIMETHYLSULFOXIDE, XRD, FT, IR, SEM, COOPERATIVITY