Nanocomposites: synthesis, structure, properties and new application opportunities

Abstract

Nanocomposites, a high performance material exhibit unusual property combinations and unique design possibilities. With an estimated annual growth rate of about 25% and fastest demand to be in engineering plastics and elastomers, their potential is so striking that they are useful in several areas ranging from packaging to biomedical applications. In this unified overview the three types of matrix nanocomposites are presented underlining the need for these materials, their processing methods and some recent results on structure, properties and potential applications, perspectives including need for such materials in future space mission and other interesting applications together with market and safety aspects. Possible uses of natural materials such as clay based minerals, chrysotile and lignocellulosic fibers are highlighted. Being environmentally friendly, applications of nanocomposites offer new technology and business opportunities for several sectors of the aerospace, automotive, electronics and biotechnology industries.

Clay nanocomposites based on poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene): Structure and properties

“…The nanoscopic origin of the macroscopic properties in polymer clay nanocomposites has been the subject of intense investigations which have been summarized in a number of reviews [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9].…”

LZS/Al2O3 Glass-Ceramic Composites Sintered by Fast Firing

“…This fact, as well the density and microstructure, supported in the selection of the samples at 900 º C for further work. It was verified from the data collected from the XRD patterns related to the LZS glass-ceramic (c) that zirconium silicate, ZrSiO 4 35.8% of zirconium silicate, 44.7% of lithium disilicate and 19.5% of β-quartz. Note that when adding alumina in the LZS glass-ceramic composition, there is a gradual decrease of lithium disilicate and the formation of β-spodumene phase, so that lithium metasilicate formation is promoted.…”

“…In fact, in the last 20 years, the emergence of highly complex structures derived from the junction of several classes of materials. Many efforts have been devoted to improve the mechanical, thermal, electrical and chemical behavior of ceramic materials, exploiting different strategies, such as the study of new compositions, use of reinforcements with particles, fibers, and the use of nanometric secondary phases for ceramic matrix composites and nanocomposites [1][2][3][4][5] . The LZS (Li 2 O-ZrO 2 -SiO 2 ) glass-ceramic system has been investigated since 1996 6 due to its interesting properties, particularly from the point of view of its mechanical strength and its hardness and relatively high resistance to abrasion and chemical attack.…”

Síntese e caracterização de nanocompósitos de poliestireno/hidroxissal lamelar

“…[1][2][3] Os nanocompósitos podem ser classificados de acordo com sua matriz, sendo nanocompósitos de matriz metálica, nanocompósitos de matriz cerâmica e nanocompósitos de matriz polimérica. 4 Entre os diferentes tipos de nanocompósitos poliméricos, aqueles reforçados com compostos lamelares são particularmente interessantes. Os hidroxissais lamelares (HSLs) são exemplos de compostos lamelares estudados para a síntese de nanocompósitos poliméricos.…”

“…5 Diversos métodos têm sido utilizados para a síntese de nanocompósitos poliméricos, entre esses métodos destacam-se a polimerização intercalativa in situ; intercalação do polímero a partir da solução; mistura direta do polímero e das partículas e processo sol-gel. 4,[6][7][8] Dentre essas técnicas a polimerização intercalativa in situ é muito interessante, pois possibilita uma dispersão mais homogênea do reforço na matriz polimérica. 9,10 Para a síntese do nanocompósito polimérico com o hidroxissal lamelar (HSL) deve ser levada em consideração a natureza hidrofílica do HSL, portanto faz-se necessária uma modificação química no HSL para torná-lo com caráter hidrofóbico e consequentemente apresentar afinidade com o polímero.…”