Polymer-Based Composites: An Indispensable Material for Present and Future Applications

Abstract

Right from the early days, polymer materials have been discovered as being beneficial for various applications but a poor understanding of these materials greatly handicapped their usage. However, with a change in this trend, polymer materials have gradually displaced other materials in most applications. In recent times, due to improved research and knowledge, polymer-based materials are the first choice materials for several applications and are now replacing other materials rapidly. More advanced materials from polymers are being developed daily as a substitute for other materials even in areas where polymers are considered not to be suitable in the time past. More recently, polymers have replaced metals and ceramics in applications like constructions, aerospace, automobiles, and medical. It is no doubt that this trend will continue due to the inherent properties of polymers and sustainability potential. Today, most of the limitations of polymers are being taken care of in the formulation of composite materials. Besides, the adaptation to positive environmental influence is being handled by scientists and researchers. Hence, this review reveals core areas of application of polymer-based composites and the significance of these materials to the advancement of humanity.

Effects of Recycled Fe2O3 Nanofiller on the Structural, Thermal, Mechanical, Dielectric, and Magnetic Properties of PTFE Matrix

“…Mill scale scrap is considered as a solid waste generated in the steel and iron industries. In general, nearly (8)(9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15) kg of mill scale waste is produced per 1000 kg of steel, and the annual production of mill scale waste is over 13.5 million tons according to preliminary statistics. Moreover, most of this waste is stockpiled in factories due to its limited utilization.…”

“…The PCs reinforced with nanofillers have been widely studied to provide improved radiation protection properties compared to their metal counterparts. In addition, the electronics, packaging, household, energy, sports, communication, and leisure industries are fully involved in the use of PCs for various applications [ 10 ]. The advanced polymer composites can be fabricated based on the requirement by selecting quantity, shape, size, and type, of fillers as the reinforcements in different polymer matrix [ 11 ].…”

Application of Fish Collagen-Nanochitosan-Henna Extract Composites for the Control of Skin Pathogens and Accelerating Wound Healing

“…Accordingly, the compositing of these two powerful antimicrobials (NCht and He) led to forceful synergistic action that could effectually destroy the bacterial and yeast pathogens, in a time-dependent manner. This attribute was reported for NCht when incorporating with other bioactive phyto and natural compounds [20,24,41,58] 5 ND ND * "Inhibition zones impart triplicates' diameter means ± SD, assay discs (6 mm diameter) carried 50 μg from henna extract (He), nanochitosan (NCht), their blend (NCht/He), or standard antibiotic". * * "Dissimilar superscript letters within the same column indicated significant difference at p < 0:05.".…”

“…From the astonishing bioactive natural biopolymers is chitosan (Cht), which is derived from chitin N-deacetylation, they both constitute the principal supporting components in crustaceans shells, most insects, and fungi cell walls [10,15]. The Cht is confirmed to possess superior bioactivities, e.g., antimicrobial action, antioxidant, WH acceleration, tissue engineering, biochelation, biosorption, antiinflammatory, anticancer, and drug-carrying capabilities [15][16][17][18][19][20]. The Cht was introduced as an effectual base for applications in skin care/regeneration, wound dressing, and tissue engineering [19,21]; the Cht main advantages depend on its combined unique characteristics such as biocompatibility, biodegradability, nontoxicity, and high adsorption capacity.…”

Self‐healing in high impact polystyrene (HIPS) composites via embedded non‐toxic solvent‐filled microcapsules

“…These properties coupled with their flexibility, durability, user‐friendly design, and low density give thermoplastic composite materials' the potential to become viable replacements for some thermoset materials 22,23 . While thermoplastic composites show tremendous promise for recyclability at the end of their useful life, 24 they show relatively poor mechanical strength and dimensional stability compared to crosslinked polymer composites, metals, and ceramics leading to shorter useful lifetimes 25,26 . Although researchers have made various attempts to improve their mechanical strength by, for example, adding reinforcing fibers, very few studies have investigated the incorporation of self‐healing properties to thermoplastic polymer composites to extend material lifespan and durability 27–30 …”