Applications of Polymer-Based Nanocomposites

The chapter is organized as follows. First, the different preparation techniques and their consequences on the structure of the composites are shortly recalled. Applications in the most important and representative fields including mechanical, thermal, optical, electrical and energy, and biomedical are given. Finally, the issues and the future of the composite use are discussed. 

Pdymer Compodtes Volume 2, First Edition. Edited by Sabu Thomas, KumviDa Joseph, Sant Kumar MaDiotra, Koichi Goda, and MeyyarappaDil Sadasivan Sreekala. 

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Most of the important applications of polymer-based nanocomposites have been realized in the optical area by the interesting association of the organic and inorganic components. Usually, optical composites are seen to be mixtures of a functional material and a processable matrix [49]. Optically functional parts include quantum-confined semiconductors, inorganic oxides, organic materials (small molecules), and polymers. The processable matrix materials are usually polymers but can also be copolymers, polymer blends, glass, or ceramics. 

Liu et al., 2005). Chemical functionalization can improve strength, thermal, electronical properties of polymer/CNT composites and will play a key role in future development and applications of CNT-based nanocomposites. 

To date, silica has been the focus of the majority of studies on oxide-based nanos-tructured materials. One of the major reasons for this is its easy processability, high chemical inertness and exceptional colloidal stability. Moreover, silica can be processed as a thin film with controllable porosity and optical transparency. All these properties make silica ideal for use in model systems, and it is widely used in many industrial areas ranging from paints and drug delivery to composite materials. Zou et al. have recently published a detailed review on the preparation, characterization, properties, and applications of polymer/silica nanocomposites and the reader is referred to this review for in-depth description of the various synthetic routes [16]. 

L Luduena, V. Balzamo, A. Vazquez and V.A. Alvarez, Evaluation of Methods for Stiffness Predictions of Polymer Based nanocomposites Theoretical Background and Examples of Applications (PCL-clay nanocomposites), in Nanomaterials Properties, Preparation and Processes by Silva, Cabral and Cabral V. Editorial Nova Publishers NY, USAISBN 978-1-60876-627-7. In press 2009. 

The utility of polymer-based nanocomposites in these areas is quite diverse, involving many potential applications, as well as types of nanocomposites. 

Besides clay-based nanocomposites, there has been huge discussion on the metallic and semiconductor-based hybrid materials. The ability of polymer materials to assemble into nanostructures describes the use of polymers providing exquisite order to nanoparticles. Finally, a discussion on potential applications of polymer—nanoparticle composites with a special focus on the use of dendrite polymers and nanoparticles for catalysis should follow (Polymer-Nanoparticle Composites Part 1 (Nanotechnology), 2010) (Figure 1.15). 

Polymer-based nanocomposites are of current interest due to their ability to modify the optical and mechanical properties of the host polymer. They include the advantages of both polymers and filler components, leading to a wide spectrum of applications. 

The fascinating properties exhibited by nanoparticles, such as blue shift of the absorption spectrum, size-dependent luminescence, etc., are various manifestations of the so-called quantum confinement effect. These unique properties make ZnO a promising candidate for applications in optical and optoelectronic devices [35-38]. Polymer-based nanocomposites are the subject of considerable research due to the possibility of combining the advantages of both polymers and nanoparticles. There are several applications of polymeric nanocomposites based on their optical, electrical and mechanical properties. Further, nanocrystals dispersed in suitable solid hosts can be stabilized for long periods of time. Polystyrene (PS)— an amorphous, optically clear thermoplastic material, which is flexible in thin-film form—is often chosen as a host matrix because of its ideal properties for investigating optical properties. It is one of the most extensively used plastic materials, e.g., in disposable cutlery, plastic models, CD and DVD cases, and smoke-detector housings. 

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