Physical Properties and Applications of Polymer Nanocomposites (Woodhead Publishing in Materials)

Polymer nanocomposites are polymer matrices reinforced with nano-scale fillers. This new class of composite materials has shown improved mechanical and physical properties. The latter include enhanced optical, electrical and dielectric properties.  This important book begins by examining the characteristics of the main types of polymer nanocomposites, then reviews their diverse applications. Part one focuses on polymer/nanoparticle composites, their synthesis, optical properties and electrical conductivity. Part two describes the electrical, dielectric and thermal behavior of polymer/nanoplatelet composites, while polymer/nanotube composites are the subject of part three. The fourth and final part discusses the processing and industrial applications of these nanocomposite materials, such as uses in fuel cells, bioimaging and sensors.  Chapters also go over the manufacture and applications of electrospun polymer nanocomposite fibers, nanostructured transition metal oxides, clay nanofiller/epoxy nanocomposites, hybrid epoxy-silica-rubber nanocomposites and other rubber-based nanocomposites.