Single Polymer Nanocomposites

New polymer nanocomposites which seem to be particularly promising for structmal apphcations as a result of their exceptional mechanical properties, are nanofibrillar single-polymer composites (SPCs). These novel materials are reinforced with polymer nanofibrils with diameters in the range of 50-150 nanometers [31]. 

It is noteworthy that in contrast to the above mentioned PMMA microcomposites [46-48], fractographic work did not deliver any evidence for the presence of residual nanofibers in this PMMA nanocomposite [49]. 

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In conclusion, it should be stressed that the described technique for the preparation of one-constituent nanofibrillar SPCs by hot compaction represents a new concept for manufacturing of single polymer nanocomposites. Instead of the usual blending with nano-size materials, the polymer itself is converted into nanofibrils, which are subjected to hot compaction causing surface melting. The obtained nanofibrillar SPC is characterized by superior mechanical properties (the tensile modulus and strength are improved up to 350 % compared to the isotropic film of the same polymer as it wiU be discussed in more detail in the subsequent section). 

B. Sitharaman, X.F. Shi, X.F. Walboomers, H.B. Liao, V. Cuijpers, L.J. Wilson, A.G. Mikos, J.A. Jansen, In vivo biocompatibility of ultra-short single-walled carbon nanotube/biodegradable polymer nanocomposites for, bone tissue engineering, Bone, vol. 43, pp. 362-3Z0, 2008. 

Kashiwagi, T., Du, F., Winey, K.I., Groth, K.M., Shields, J.R., Bellayer, S., Kim, S., and Douglas, J.F. 2005. Flammability properties of polymer nanocomposites with single-walled carbon nanotubes Effects of nanotube dispersion and concentration. Polymer 46(2) 471 181. 

Polymer nanocomposites including nanoscaled carbon fillers such as single and multi-walled carbon nanotubes have attracted a lot of... 

This chapter is an overview of the synthesis and properties of PVA/ nanotube composites. Various films and fibers have been processed from carbon nanotube and PVA dispersions. Compared to other polymers, PVA exhibit particularly strong interaction with single-walled as well as multiwalled carbon nanotubes. This leads to unique properties which are not observed in other nanotube polymer nanocomposites. In particular, this literature review confirms... 

Haggenmueller R, Zhou W, Fischer JE, Winey KI (2003) Production and characterization of polymer nanocomposites with highly aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes. J Nanosci Nanotechnol 2(1-2) 105-110... 

Tensile testing of single crystalline metallic microwhiskers can also be studied following the experimental tensile testing constructed by Brenner and (b) results of whisker fracture strength as a function of whisker size, showed the clear size dependence (Fig. 3.34). The chitin whiskers are usually incorporated into polymer matrix to prepare CWs reinforced polymer nanocomposite. Thus, the mechanical... 

Bhattacharyya, A Sreekumar, T. liu, T. Kumar, S. Ericson, L. Hauge, H. Smalley, R. (2003) Crystallization and Orientation Studies in Polypropylene/Single Wall Carbon Nanotube Composite. Polym. Vol.44, N0.8, pp.2373-2377, ISSN 0032-3861 Bilotti, E. Fischer, H. Peijs, T. (2008) Polymer nanocomposites based on needle-like sepiolite clays Effect of functionalized polymers on the dispersion of nanofiller, crystallinity, and mechanical properties, f. Appl. Polym. Sci. Vol.107, No.2 pp.lll6-1123, ISSN 0021-8995... 

In the last few decades, polymeric materials have found many applications and govern a major part of our day-to-day life. The polymeric materials are strong, lightweight, and easily processable with cost-effective techniques [1]. However, the properties of the pure polymeric materials limit their application in diversified fields. The introduction of filler materials into the polymer matrix generates properties superior to those of individual components. The combination forms a single system the polymer nanocomposites exhibit improved strength, stiffness and dimensional stability with adequate physical properties compared to pure ploymer. These nanocomposites can be of different types such as ceramic-based nanocomposites, fiber-reinforced nanocomposites, polymer-clay nanocomposites, etc. 

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