Polymer Nanocomposites Characterized by Thermal Analysis Techniques

Polymer Nanocomposites Characterized by Thermal Analysis Techniques 

Carola Esposito Corcione, Antonio Creco, Mariaenrica Frigione, and Alfonso Maffezzoli 

Polymer composites reinforced with inorganic fillers of dimensions in the nanometer range, known as nanocomposites, have attracted great attention of researchers due to unexpected synergistic properties derived from two components. The most studied polymer nanocomposites (PNs) are composed of thermoplastic or thermosetting matrix and organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) l-4] or carbon nanotubes (CNTs) [5-7]. 

Polymer-clay nanocomposites are characterized by improved thermal, mechanical, barrier, fire retardant, and optical properties compared to the matrix of conventional composites, commonly called particulate microcomposites, because of their unique phase morphology deriving from layer intercalation or exfoliation that maximizes interfacial contact between the organic and inorganic phases and enhances bulk properties [8]. 

Since their discovery in 1991 by lijima [9], CNTs have been extensively studied by researchers in various fields such as chemistry, physics, materials science, and electrical engineering. CNTs possess high flexibility, low mass density, and large aspect ratio (typically about 300-1000). They have a unique combination of mechanical, electrical, and thermal properties that make them excellent candidates to substitute or complement the conventional nanofillers in the fabrication of multifunctional PNs [5]. 

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I 9 Polymer Nanocomposites Characterized by Thermal Analysis Techniques... 

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