Applications nanocomposite production with

A major application of this scientific field is in the production of novel nanocomposite materials with unique characteristics. By changing the processing conditions and chemical composition of the film, it is possible to affect its structure and consequently, its physico-chemical properties. Therefore the key to a successful production of such important materials, specifically, nano structural films of predetermined optical, magnetic, dielectric,... 

Nowadays nanocomposites are used in a broad variety of technical and scientific fields since they possess useful mechanical and chemical properties. Nanocomposite systems can be derived from different materials. Among these, clays are widely applied because their layered structure with high active surface area and cation exchange capacity has advantages for nanocomposite production. A possible way to improve and accelerate the incorporation of polymers (surfactants) into clay layers is the application of high-intensity ultrasonic treatment on to the suspension of a clay mineral in the presence of polymer (surfactants) molecules. Sonication promotes a drastic decrease of the incorporation time increasing the interlamellar space of clay minerals. 

The chemical-physical properties of nanocomposite and membrane finds unique place in sensor application due to combinational properties. The basic use of nanocomposite is to the products, which show many folds of improvement on the physical and mechanical properties or on the processing properties upon addition of very minute quantity of nanomaterials [99], Nanoscale particles not only enhance the mechanical properties but also have wide potential in the field of electronic, magnetic, optical, and chemical field. The polymer nanocomposites provide improvement over other known composites in thermal, mechanical, electrical, and even air barrier properties [64-70], Formulation of nanocomposite membranes with suitable polymer, suitable nanoparticles, and the processing technology of the nanocomposite are critical to success factor to dominate the gas sensor product in the market. 

Polymeric nanocomposites are a class of relatively new materials with ample potential applications. Products with commercial applications appeared during the last decade [1], and much industrial and academic interest has been created. Reports on the manufacture of nanocomposites include those made with polyamides [2-5], polyolefins [6-9], polystyrene (PS) and PS copolymers [10, 11], ethylene vinyl alcohol [12-15], acrylics [16-18], polyesters [19, 20], polycarbonate [21, 22], liquid crystalline polymers [8, 23-25], fluoropolymers [26-28], thermoset resins [29-31], polyurethanes [32-37], ethylene-propylene oxide [38], vinyl carbazole [39, 40], polydiacethylene [41], and polyimides (Pis) [42], among others. 

The oxygen permeability in general decreases by 50 percent in polyamide matrix on nano-clay incorporation. Clay-polyamide nanocomposites can be used for packaging of processed meats, cheese, confectionery, cereals and boil-in-the-bag foods also for extrusion-coating applications in association with paperboard for fruit juice and dairy products, together with co-extrusion processes for the manufacture of beer and carbonated drink bottles (www.tifac.org). The nanocomposite packaging enhances the shelf life of many types of food. 

This chapter presented information about the production, characterization, properties and applications of PHAs nanocomposites reinforced with CNCs. 

Clay minerals and polymers can be used to prepare polymer nanocomposites, having interesting physical properties and, in some instances, commercial applications. Even if the vast majority of people involved in clay mineral-polymer nanocomposite research rightfully believe in the future of these new materials, few products reached industrial application. Mass production of polymer nanocomposites depends on consistent and reasonable preparation and processing techniques. The existing literature is packed of new nanocomposite materials. However, in order to use these materials in commercial applications, a number of issues must be resolved. There must be healthy methods to prepare exfoliated nanocomposites with required mechanical properties in large scale and at a cheaper rate. 

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