Carbon nanotube-reinforced composites agglomerates

More recently nanoscale fillers such as clay platelets, silica, nano-calcium carbonate, titanium dioxide, and carbon nanotube nanoparticles have been used extensively to achieve reinforcement, improve barrier properties, flame retardancy and thermal stability, as well as synthesize electrically conductive composites. In contrast to micron-size fillers, the desired effects can be usually achieved through addihon of very small amounts (a few weight percent) of nanofillers [4]. For example, it has been reported that the addition of 5 wt% of nanoclays to a thermoplastic matrix provides the same degree of reinforcement as 20 wt% of talc [5]. The dispersion and/or exfoliahon of nanofillers have been identified as a critical factor in order to reach optimum performance. Techniques such as filler modification and matrix functionalization have been employed to facilitate the breakup of filler agglomerates and to improve their interactions with the polymeric matrix. 

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