Metal-polymer nanocomposites applications

Applications of metal-polymer nanocomposites have already been made in different technological helds however, the use of a much larger number of devices based on these materials can be predicted for the near future. 

Stability of common polymers, and consequently, thermal degradation of mercaptide molecules ean be also carried out with the mercaptide dissolved into a polymeric medium. In this case, a finely dispersed inorganic solid phase, embedded in polymer, is generated. Materials based on clusters confined in polymeric matrices are called nanocomposites [Mayer, 1998 Caseri, 2000]. Both semiconductor-polymer and metal-polymer nanocomposites have unique functional properties that can be exploited for applications in several advanced technological fields (e.g., optics, nonlinear optics, magnetooptics, photonics, optoelectronics) [Caseri, 2000]. 

Metal-polymer nanocomposites can be exploited for a number of technological applications. The functional uses of these materials are related primarily to their unique combination of high transparency in the visible spectral range with other physical properties (e.g., luminescence, magnetism, surface plasmon resonance, ultrahigh or ultralow refractive index, optical nonlinearity). 

Further applications of metal-polymer nanocomposites are in the fields ofultrahigh and ultralow refractive index materials [Weibel et al., 1991 Zimmerman et al., 1992, 1993], dichroic color filters [Dirix et al., 1999a,b], nonlinear optical filters [Qu, S. et al., 2002], and catalytic polymer membranes [FritschandPeinemann, 1995 Troger etal., 1997]. 

Recently, the production of nanofibres using nanocomposites has attracted attention. This is due to the fact that this type of nanofibre combines the unique properties of nanocomposites with the outstanding characteristics of nanofibres. Metal/polymer nanocomposites have not only the potential to meet the requirements of applications such as photonic and electric sensors, filters, and artificial tissue, but also can act as catalysts. Silver nanoparticles are the most common embedded metal nanoparticles used in conjunction with polymers. This is because silver nanoparticles exhibit remarkable properties including catalytic activity, surface-enhanced Raman scattering activity, high electrical conductivity and antimicrobial activity. 

Rao CNR, Kulkami GU, Thomas PJ, Agrawal W, Gautam UK, Ghosh M (2003b) Nanocrystals of metals, semiconductors and oxides novel synthesis and applications. Curr Sci 85 1041-1045 Rao CNR, Kulkami GU, Thomas PJ (2005) Physical and chemical properties of nano-sized metal particles. In Nicolais L, Carotenuto G (eds) Metal-polymer nanocomposites. WUey, Hoboken, New Jersey, pp 1-36... 

Karttunen Mikko, Ruuskanen Pekka, PitkSnen Ville, and Albers Willem M. Electrically conductive metal polymer nanocomposites for electronics applications. J. Electron. Mater. Nl no. 7 (2008) 951-954. 

Metal sulphide semiconductors/polymer nanocomposites are considered to be highly functional materials with many applications, such as in photoluminescent, photoelectric and non-linear optical materials. The flexibility and processability of polymer matrices can provide good mechanical properties. 

Polymer nanocomposites are being investigated with regard to their application as substitute of metals in motor industry, for the reinforcement of polymer fibers and tires, as scratch-resistant and inflammable coatings, and as biocompatible materials for prosthetic use. 

Thin-film metal (metal oxide)/polymer nanocomposites with different inorganic phase contents were obtained by using the cold-wall vacuum co-deposition technique. A range of metals was shown to be applicable to form nanocomposite thin films with PPX, i.e., Al, Ti, Pd, and Sn. AFM studies show the metal nanoparticles to have a size of 7-50 nm. Within the composite the polymer forms more or less spherical globules with a maximum size of about 200 nm. The interfacial regions between neighbouring polymeric spherulites contain nanoparticles of the inorganic filler. 

The pol5mier nanocomposite field has been studied heavily in the past decade. However, polymier nanocomposite technology has been around for quite some time in the form of latex paints, carbon-black filled tires, and other pol5mier systems filled with nanoscale particles. However, the nanoscale interface nature of these materials was not truly understood and elucidated until recently [2 7]. Today, there are excellent works that cover the entire field of polymer nanocomposite research, including applications, with a wide range of nanofillers such as layered silicates (clays), carbon nanotubes/nanofibers, colloidal oxides, double-layered hydroxides, quantum dots, nanocrystalline metals, and so on. The majority of the research conducted to date has been with organically treated, layered silicates or organoclays. 

Keywords Applications Metal oxide Nanocomposites Polymers Properties... 

The applications of polymer/metal oxide nanocomposites have been growing at a rapid rate. The advantages of incorporating metal oxide NPs into polymer matrices can lead to potential applications. These areas include photocatalysts, membranes for gas separation, sensors, and environmental and biomedical applications. Hence, nanocomposites are emerging as new materials that can provide opportunities and rewards, creating a new world of interest. The potential applications of polymer/ metal oxide hybrid nanocomposites are given in Table 2. 

XII. APPLICATION OF POLYMER-IMMOBILIZED METAL NANOPARTICLE AND METAL CLUSTER NANOCOMPOSITES... 

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