Schematic structures of nanocomposites

The most popular nanofiller is the natural layered silicate montmorillonite, which is subjected to specific treatments. The properties of the final nanocomposite depend on the nanocomposite treatments and the mixing efficiency. 

The nanosilicates, because of their high aspect ratio, high surface area and nanometric scale, provide reinforcement at low levels of incorporation. 

Taking an industrial example (see Table 6.25), the reinforcement ratios - that is, the ratio of the nanocomposite performance versus that of the neat polymer - obtained with a nanosilicate level as low as 2% are noteworthy. For a very similar density, the nanocomposite has significantly better thermomechanical properties than the neat polyamide, as Table 6.25 shows. 

Some materials are moulded or shaped by means of semi-manufactured products the thermoplastic matrix and the reinforcement are already assembled before processing, for example  

GMTs are thermoplastic resin sheets or blanks reinforced with glass mat. Possibly, unidirectional continuous fibres can also be used. 

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