Polymeric nanocomposites: A review

A significant amount of industrial and governmental research has been and today is being conducted on nanocomposites. The most popular polymers for research and development of nanocomposites are polyamides, polypropylene, polyethylene, styrenics, vinyls, polycarbonates, epoxies, acrylics, polybutylene terephthalate, and polyurethanes as well as a variety of miscellaneous engineering resins. The most common filler is montmorillonite clay; these nanoclays are unique since they have a platy structure with a unit thickness of one nanometer or less and an aspect ratio in the 1000:1 range. Unusually low loading levels are required for property improvement. Expected benefits from nanocomposites include improvement in modulus, flexural strength, heat distortion temperature, barrier properties, and other benefits and, unlike typical mineral reinforced systems, they are without the conventional trade-offs in impact and clarity.