Fundamentals of Polymer Nanocomposite Technology

Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 

In this chapter we restrict our discussion even further, focusing on one subclass of polymer-inorganic nanocomposites, where the polymers are typically thermoplastics and the inorganic component is a high aspect ratio nanoscale filler. Particular emphasis will be given to principles that apply to pseudo-twodimensional layered inorganic fillers (such as 2 1 aluminosilicates, from where 

Flame Retardant Polymer Nanocomposites, edited by Alexander B. Morgan and Charles A. WiUde Copyright 2007 John Wiley Sons, Inc. 

In contrast, carbon nanotubes were discovered much more recently, first observed by lijima, and since then they have been the focus of considerable research activity. This pseudo-one-dimensional form of carbon has remarkable physical and mechanical properties, such as structure-tunable electronic properties, ultrahigh thermal conductivity, and umnatched mechanical properties (e.g., stiffness, strength, and resilience). These characteristics, combined with recent advances enabling high-volume production of multi- and single-walled 

At this point we should also mention that this chapter is not intended to provide an extensive review of the polymer nanocomposites field. The reader interested in such reviews can refer to a number of related books, numerous compilations of relevant symposia and conference proceedings, and recent review articles. ° This chapter is, rather, an attempt toward a brief eclectic overview of topics highlighting the fundamentals that underlie the materials discussed in the remainder of the book. 

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E. Manias, G. Polizos, H. Nakajima, and M. J. Heidecker. Fundamentals of pol5nner nanocomposite technology. In Flame Retardant polymer nanocomposites, ed. A. B. Morgan and C. A. Wilkie (John Wiley Sons, New York, New York, USA 2007), pp. 56-60. 

Polymethylsiloxane (PMS) materials with ID (PDMS) or 2D/3D (PMS) siloxane backbone have drawn considerable fundamental and technological interest because of their applications as components of nanocomposites, copolymers for synthesis of ion conducting polymeric materials, chromatographic adsorbent, a component of medicinal preparations (e.g., Cleocin, Universal Washaid, United States), implants, adjuvant Capsil (Aquatrols, USA Scotts, USA), a vaccine adjuvant, etc. Additionally, PMS in the form of hydrogel (CpMs 10 wt%) is utilized as a medicinal enterosorbent Enterosgel (Kreoma-Pharm, Ukraine). Functionalized PMSs are used for modification and functionalization of solid surfaces. They are also used as supports for catalysts, or as polymer backbones for preparation of liquid crystalline polymers. 

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