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Polymer matrix nanocomposites for automotive structural components

Nature Nanotechnology volume 11, pages 1026–1030 (2016)Cite this article

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Abstract

Over the past several decades, the automotive industry has expended significant effort to develop lightweight parts from new easy-to-process polymeric nanocomposites. These materials have been particularly attractive because they can increase fuel efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. However, attempts to reinforce soft matrices by nanoscale reinforcing agents at commercially deployable scales have been only sporadically successful to date. This situation is due primarily to the lack of fundamental understanding of how multiscale interfacial interactions and the resultant structures affect the properties of polymer nanocomposites. In this Perspective, we critically evaluate the state of the art in the field and propose a possible path that may help to overcome these barriers. Only once we achieve a deeper understanding of the structure–properties relationship of polymer matrix nanocomposites will we be able to develop novel structural nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties for automotive applications.

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Figure 1: Relative performance and cost profiles in nanocomposite manufacturing.
Figure 2: Successful examples of nanocomposites with enhanced mechanical properties.

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Acknowledgements

We acknowledge support from the Laboratory Directed Research and Development Program and Technology Innovation Program of Oak Ridge National Laboratory, managed by UT-Battelle, LLC, for the US Department of Energy. J.K.K. also acknowledges the financial support of the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences and the Spallation Neutron Source, which are sponsored by the Scientific User Facilities Division, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, US Department of Energy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Materials Science and Technology Division, Carbon and Composites Group, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, 37831-6053, Tennessee, USA

    Amit K. Naskar

  2. Center for Nanophase Materials Science and Spallation Neutron Source, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, 37831, Tennessee, USA

    Jong K. Keum

  3. Energy and Environmental Sciences Directorate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, 37831, Tennessee, USA

    Raymond G. Boeman

  4. Michigan State University, East Lansing, 48824, Michigan, USA

    Raymond G. Boeman

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  1. Amit K. Naskar
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Correspondence to Amit K. Naskar.

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Naskar, A., Keum, J. & Boeman, R. Polymer matrix nanocomposites for automotive structural components. Nature Nanotech 11, 1026–1030 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/nnano.2016.262

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