Polymer-based nanocomposites applications

Polymer-based nanocomposites reinforced with nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted much interest due to their homogeneity, relatively easy processability, and tunable physicochemical properties, such as mechanical, magnetic, electric, thermoelectric, and electronic properties [2,19-36], High particle loading is required for certain industrial applications, such as electromagnetic-wave absorbers [37,38], photovoltaic cells (solar cells) [39,40], photo detectors, and smart structures [41 3]. A nanoparticle core with a polymer shell renders many industrial applications possible, such as nanofluids and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). 

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. 

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. 

In the large field of nanotechnology, polymer-based nanocomposites have become a prominent area of current research and development for biomedical applications.In principle, nanocomposites are an extreme case of composite materials in which interface interactions between the two phases, the matrix and the reinforcement, are maximized. In the literature, the term nanocomposite is used for polymers with sub-micrometre dispersions. In polymer-based nanocomposites, nanometre sized particles of inorganic or organic materials are homogeneously dispersed as separate particles in a polymer matrix. Researchers have tried a variety of processing techniques to obtain dense polymer nanocomposite films. The incorporation of nanostructures into polymers can generally be done in different ways as indicated below ... 

Recently, polymer-based nanocomposites have become incredibly important due to their unique properties and numerous applications in modem technology. The properties of polymer composites are mostly a simple combination of the properties... 

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

Klapper M, Clark Jr G C and Mullen K (2008) Application-directed syntheses of surface-functionalized organic and inorganic nanoparticles, Polym Int 57 181-202. Siengchin S (2008) Water-mediated melt compounding to produce thermoplastic polymer-based nanocomposites Structure-property relationships, PhD Thesis, TU Kaiserslautern. 

Bioactivity of Fibrous Polymer Based Nanocomposites for Application in Regenerative Medicine... 

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. 

Bailly, C., Lefebvre, J.M., and Devaux, J. (2007) Polymer-based nanocomposites overview, applications and perspectives. Progress in Organic Coatings, 58, 87-95. 

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