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Polymer nanocomposites: A small part of the story

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Abstract

Polymer nanocomposites are polymer matrix composites in which the fillers are less than 100 nm in at least one dimension. These composites have exhibited extraordinarily interesting properties. A defining feature of polymer nanocomposites is that the small size of the fillers leads to a dramatic increase in interfacial area as compared to traditional composites. This interfacial area creates a significant volume fraction of interfacial polymer with properties different from the bulk polymer even at low loadings. The properties and structure of this interfacial region are not yet known quantitatively, presenting a challenge both for controlling and predicting the properties of polymer nanocomposites. This paper provides a brief overview of polymer nanocomposites with emphasis on the impact of the interfacial region.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Rensselaer Nanotechnology Center, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy, NY, 12180, USA

    L. S. Schadler (professor)

  2. Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA

    L. C. Brinson (Jerome B. Cohen Professor of Engineering)

  3. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA

    W. G. Sawyer (professor)

Authors
  1. L. S. Schadler
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  2. L. C. Brinson
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  3. W. G. Sawyer
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Schadler, L.S., Brinson, L.C. & Sawyer, W.G. Polymer nanocomposites: A small part of the story. JOM 59, 53–60 (2007). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-007-0040-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11837-007-0040-5

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