TABLE OF CONTENTS In previous chapters, the different types of nanoparticles, selection of resin matrix and nanoparticles, processing of nanomaterials, and morphological characterization of polymer nanostructured materials were discussed. In this chapter, the properties and performance of this novel type of nanomodified polymeric material are described. Selective polymer nanocomposites for different applications will be presented to demonstrate the diversity of resulting PNMs and their utility. A list of thermoplastic nanocomposites, thermoset nanocomposites, and elastomer nanocomposites was surveyed in Chap. 3. Selective nylon 6 nanocomposites, epoxy nanocomposites, and thermoplastic polyolefin elastomer (TPO) nanocomposites are discussed in this chapter. Physical, mechanical, and thermal properties, as well as the performance of these polymer nanostructured materials, are reported.
Mica-type silicates such as montmorillonite, hectorite, and saponite are attractive nanoclays1 -3 functioning as reinforcing fillers for polymers because of their high aspect ratio and unique intercalation and exfoliation characteristics. The incorporation of organoclays into polymer matrices has been known for many decades. In 1950, Carter et al.4 developed organoclays that were surface treated with organic bases to reinforce latex-based elastomers. In 1963, Nahin et al.5 incorporated organoclay into a thermoplastic polyolefin matrix. Organoclay modified composites were obtained with improved solvent resistance and high tensile strength by irradiation-induced crosslinking procedure. In 1976, Fujiwara and Sakomoto6 of the Unitika patented the first organoclay hybrid nanocomposite. Ten years later, a Toyota research team disclosed improved methods to produce nylon 6 clay nanocomposites using in-situ polymerization, similar to the Unitika process.7
