Polymer/boehmite nanocomposites: A review

Boehmite is an aluminum oxyhydroxide [AlO(OH)] which is preferentially used as precursor for the production of (transition) aluminum oxides. Boehmite alumina (BA) nanoparticles are available in various morphologies due to versatile synthesis routes, which are briefly introduced. The peripheral hydroxyl groups of BA offer manifold functionalization possibilities for tailoring the dispersion and filler/matrix adhesion properties. The incorporation of BA nanofillers, with and without surface treatments, may yield improved mechanical and novel functional properties in polymers. BA can be introduced in polymers and polymer composites through different methods. This comprehensive overview covers the basic results reported on polymer/BA nanocomposites in the open literature. In this review, polymer matrices are grouped into thermoplastics, thermosets, and rubbers. Using literature results and our own findings, we have identified promising R&D trends with polymer/BA nanocomposites. (C) 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.