Polymer Nanocomposites
Polymer Nanocomposites - Related Videos
11:38
Environmentally-controlled Microtensile Testing of Mechanically-adaptive Polymer Nanocomposites for ex vivo Characterization
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Cited by 9 •
2013
A method is discussed by which the in vivo mechanical behavior of stimuli-responsive materials is monitored as a function of time. Samples are tested ex vivo using a microtensile tester with environmental controls to simulate the physiological environment. This work further promotes understanding the in vivo behavior of our material.
06:34
Application of a Coupling Agent to Improve the Dielectric Properties of Polymer-Based Nanocomposites
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Cited by 2 •
2020
Here, we demonstrate a simple and low-cost solution-casting process to improve the compatibility between the filler and the matrix of polymer-based nanocomposites using surface modified BaTiO3 fillers, which can effectively enhance the energy density of the composites.
12:21
Preparation of Monodomain Liquid Crystal Elastomers and Liquid Crystal Elastomer Nanocomposites
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Cited by 7 •
2016
We demonstrate the preparation of siloxane-based and epoxy-based liquid crystal elastomers (LCEs) and LCE nanocomposites. The LCEs are characterized with respect to reversible strain, liquid crystal ordering, and stiffness. As a potential application, we demonstrate their use as shape-responsive substrates in a custom device for active cell culture.
14:24
Manufacturing of Three-dimensionally Microstructured Nanocomposites through Microfluidic Infiltration
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Cited by 4 •
2014
Three-dimensional (3D) microstructured composite beams are fabricated through the directed and localized infiltration of nanocomposites into 3D porous microfluidic networks. The flexibility of this manufacturing method enables the utilization of different thermosetting materials and nanofillers in order to achieve a variety of functional 3D reinforced nanocomposite macroscopic products.
02:34
Polymers
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2020
The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...
FAQs
Performance depends strongly on how evenly the nanoscale filler is dispersed and how effectively it interacts with polymer chains at the interface. Good interfacial contact enables mechanical stress to move from the matrix into the filler, rather than remaining localized. Poor dispersion or weak interaction can undermine the reinforcement expected from combining the components, making interface control central to materials design.
Nanofillers can create tortuous pathways through the polymer, forcing gas or liquid molecules to travel a less direct route. This increased path complexity can limit diffusion through the material and support barrier performance. The principle is especially relevant to barrier films, where nanoscale structure influences how effectively the composite restricts transport across its macroscopic dimensions.
Common choices include layered silicates, carbon nanotubes, graphene, and metal oxides. Selecting among these filler classes expands the design space for materials intended for structural, conductive, barrier, flame-resistant, or sensing functions. The choice must be considered together with dispersion, polymer–filler interfacial interactions, and stress transfer because filler identity alone does not determine final performance.
Researchers should relate filler dispersion, polymer–filler interfacial interactions, and stress transfer to the resulting macroscopic properties. They also need to consider how nanoscale structure produces functions such as restricted diffusion or electrical behavior. This structure–performance relationship provides a framework for comparing formulations and identifying why a material succeeds or falls short in its intended application.
Their applications include lightweight structural materials, conductive coatings, barrier films, flame-resistant products, and sensors. These uses reflect different performance goals, including mechanical improvement, conductivity, restricted gas or liquid transport, resistance to burning, or chemical detection. Chemistry research connects those goals to the selection of polymer matrices, nanoscale fillers, and interfacial structures.
Current research addresses processing, filler aggregation, recyclability, and the relationship between nanoscale structure and macroscopic performance. Aggregation can interfere with the uniform filler distribution needed for consistent behavior, while recyclability raises questions about the material's longer-term practicality. Studying these issues helps researchers connect formulation and processing decisions with reliable properties in real products.