Scheme 2. Schematic of the exfoliation process for the layered Na+-MMT clay into exfoliated silicate nanosheets and illustration of the surface ionic charges. The polymeric dispersant and silicate are attracted to Ag+ ions, resulting in well-dispersed AgNPs. A schematic of the dispersion mechanisms of the AgNPs/nanoscale silicate platelets (NSPs) and AgNPs/POE-imide stabilizations are also show