Nanocomposites Based on Inorganic Nanoparticles

In the last two decades, polymer nanocomposites have attracted the interest of researchers and industries because of their excellent mechanical, physical and tribological properties. The addition of nanosize inorganic fillers like clay, Al2O3, CaCO3, TiO2, ZnO and SiO2 has altered the mechanical and physical properties of the polymers significantly, and in general the nanocomposites are superior to virgin polymers in many aspects. The concept of using clay as reinforcement for polymer came into the limelight after the findings by Toyota researchers in the year 1990. They found dramatic improvement in tensile properties by adding clay to polyamide in definite weight fraction. Continuing on with this, other researchers have used various techniques to develop polymer nanocomposites by considering clay as reinforcement with proper organic treatment. In this chapter, the methods of producing clay-polymer nanocomposites are discussed in detail. The influence of clay reinforcement on the mechanical, thermal and physical properties of thermoplastic and thermosetting polymers is also discussed. This chapter also comprises of processing techniques of polymer nanocomposites using nanoparticles like Al2O3, CaCO3, TiO2, ZnO and SiO2 as reinforcements. These materials have the potential to alter tribological, electrical and optical properties considerably. A description of various characterization techniques for studying the dispersion of nanoparticles, curing kinetics and thermal degradation will facilitate the readers' better understanding of these techniques. Information on the applications of polymer nanocomposites in various fields has also been incorporated.