Zero-Dimensional Fillers

Nanosilica has often been used as an additive in a variety of industries in cosmetics, drugs, printer toners, varnishes, etc. [48]. It also finds a number of biomedical and 

The formation of noble metal nanoparticle (Ag, Au, Pt)-embedded PDMS composites have been reported by a simple one-step method [46]. These nano composites exhibit the combined properties of metal and polymers, e.g., elasticity, strength, antibacterials effectiveness, etc. In addition, the properties of the nano composites can be tailored by varing the size, shape, distribution and relative concentration of metal nanoparticles in polymer matrix [52]. 

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The embedded material should reinforce the matrix, e.g., with respect to flexural strength. Because this effect is absent with interpenetrating networks, these are often not classed as composites, although, according to structure, they are composites with a zero-dimensional dispersed phase. Polymers reinforced with active or inactive particulate fillers are also not classed as composites. 

Figure 1 presents the typical geometries of the nanodimensional fillers which are commonly used to modify the elastomeric matrix [5], Nanoparticles possess many shapes and sizes (Fig. 1), but primarily they have three simple geometric forms sphere, cylinder and plate type. Three-dimensional nanofillers (3D) are relatively equiaxed particles, smaller than 100 nm (often below 50 nm [6]), e.g. nano SiOa, Ti02. These nanoparticles are described in the Sects. 2.2-2.4. Sometimes in the literature, the term 3D nanofillers (spherical) is described as a zero-dimensional (OD) system, but actually OD nanofillers are represented by POSS molecules, fullerenes, crystals or quantum dots [6]. What s more, very often the term physical form of these nanoparticles is referred to as agglomerates . The dispersion of particles from agglomerates to nanoparticles seems to be a big challenge to all... 

To achieve a lower percolation threshold and a high conductivity, more than one type of filler with different dimensions can be used to prepare CPCs, such as zero-dimensional atomic clusters (e.g., nano-carbon black, and silica), ID rod-like nanofiller (e.g., carbon nanotubes, and silver nanowires), and 2D layered nanofiller (e.g., clay platelets, and graphene) [ 106-110]. In fact, because of their differences in shape and element component, each nanoparticle has its own unique ability. Positive synergistic effects of these nanoparticles on improving the electrical and other properties of polymer matrix are expected. 

In the last few years, a large variety of organic and inorganic nanofillers of various shapes and sizes have been used to prepare SR nanocomposites. They can be classified into zero dimensional (OD), one dimensional (ID), two dimensional (2D) and three dimensional (3D) fillers. Recently, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have also received more attention as new generation 2D nanofiller in the preparation of polymer nanocomposites with a lot of promise. 

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