A New Approach to the Preparation of Nanocomposites Based on a Polymer Matrix

A new approach to the preparation of nanocomposites is advanced. This approach includes preliminary formation of a nanoporous matrix and subsequent loading of the formed pores by the second component. These advantageous opportunities are provided by one of the most fundamental phenomena of the physical chemistry of polymers: solvent crazing of polymers in the presence of the liquid media. Several examples illustrate that solvent crazing not only provides a universal means of self-induced dispersion of a polymer material into nanoscale aggregates but also offers a universal route for the delivery of diverse low-molecular-mass compounds to the nanoporous structure of the solvent-crazed polymer. The results on the preparation of new types of nanomaterials, such as porous polymeric sorbents, polymeric separation membranes, new types of polymer-polymer nanoblends, fireproof and conducting polymer nanocomposites, and metal-containing polymers, are reviewed. Some aspects of the practical application and technological design of solvent crazing of polymers as a means for the preparation of diverse nanocomposites are discussed.