Polymer nanocomposites

Polymer nanocomposites ( PNC from English polymer nanocomposites ) consist of a polymer matrix in which nanoparticles or nanofillers are dispersed. The nanoparticles can have different shapes (e.g. platelets, fibers or spheroids ), but at least one dimension must be in the range from 1 to 50 nm. PNC belong to the multiphase systems (MPS from English multi-phase systems , including dry blends , composite materials and foams), which consume almost 95% of plastic production. The production of such systems requires controlled mixing, stabilization of the dispersions produced and an orientation of the disperse phase. The procedures used for this are similar for all MPS.

The transition from micro- to nano-particles leads to a change in physical and chemical properties. Two of the most important factors here are the increase in the surface-to-volume ratio and the size of the particles. The increase in the surface-to-volume ratio, which increases as the particles become smaller, leads to an increasing dominance of the surface atoms over the volume atoms. This has an impact on the interaction with other particles. In addition, as the surface area of ​​the nanoparticles increases, interactions with other particles in the mixture are increased, increasing strength , heat resistance , etc. and influencing many other factors.