Nanocomposites - Properties and Applications

Nanocomposites - Properties and

Applications
Reviewed by Skyla Baily Sep 27 2001

Updated by Reginald Davey 03/03/2023

Nanocomposites have several advantages over conventional filler counterparts and

base polymers. This is due to the supremely beneficial properties of
nanocomposites and improvements to the properties of alternative, conventional
materials.

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=921
1/6
Nanocomposites - Properties and Applications

Image Credit: Manusphoto/Shutterstock.com

This article will discuss the preparation, properties, and application areas of
nanocomposites. It will also explore some recent innovative uses for these novel materials.

Nanocomposite Preparation
Nanocomposites are defined as composite materials with two or more components, where
at least one is a nanomaterial. Nanocomposite materials are made by embedding a
reinforcing phase into a matrix phase. Either phase can be the nanomaterial.

Correct preparation produces a composite material that retains both the matrix’s toughness
and the reinforcement material’s strength. The matrix is typically a tough or ductile material,
whereas reinforcing materials have low density but high strength.

Synthetic methods are commonly employed to prepare nanocomposites, such as

lamination, soft lithography, solution casting, and spin-coating. Homogenous nanoparticle
dispersion is a primary challenge during preparation. Dispersion affects phase interfaces
and the final nanocomposite properties.

Different materials, structures, and compositions allow for fine-tuning of nanocomposite

properties, such as electrical, mechanical, thermal, acoustical, and magnetic properties.
Nanocomposites have given rise to the field of multifunctional materials.

Research has indicated that molecular-level interactions between matrix and nanoparticles
alongside the high matrix-nanoparticle interfacial area is key to influencing the mechanical
and physical properties of nanocomposites.

Enhanced Nanocomposite Properties

The vastly improved properties of nanocomposites include:

Mechanical properties, e.g., strength, modulus, and dimensional stability

Decreased permeability to gases, water, and hydrocarbons
Thermal stability and heat distortion temperature
Flame retardancy and reduced smoke emissions
Chemical resistance
Surface appearance

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=921
2 /6
Nanocomposites - Properties and Applications

Electrical conductivity
Optical clarity in comparison to conventionally filled polymers

Nanocomposite Disadvantages
Traditional issues with nanoparticle incorporation into materials include impact performance
and toughness. Research has indicated that modifying polymers such as polyamides with
nanoclay particles reduces the impact performance of the produced nanocomposite
materials.

This is a critical issue, especially in applications where impact loading events are likely to
occur. Better understanding of the relationship between the formulation, structure, and
properties of nanocomposites is necessary to improve their application potential.
Additionally, optimal routes to platelet exfoliation and dispersion are vital.

Particle Loadings
Nanoparticulate loading confers significant property improvements at extremely low loading
levels. Conventional microparticle additives require much higher loading levels to achieve
similar performance to nanocomposites.

Consequently, this results in significant weight reductions, which is important for

applications in areas such as aerospace and the military. Additionally, this gives
nanocomposites greater strength at similar structural dimensions and, for barrier
applications, increased barrier performance at comparable material thickness.

Mechanical Property Gains Due to Nanoparticle

Additions
Polyamide-montmorillonite nanocomposites display significantly enhanced properties.
Tensile strength in these materials is improved by approximately 40% at 23oC and 20% at
120oC. Modulus improvements of up to an impressive 220% have been observed in these
nanocomposites.

Heat distortion temperature in the unmodified polyamide increases from 65oC to 152oC in
the nanoclay-modified material. Only 5% loading with montmorillonite clay is necessary to
achieve these vastly improved properties. Similar enhanced properties have been observed
in polymethyl methacrylate-clay nanocomposites.

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=921
3
/6
Nanocomposites - Properties and Applications

Nanoclays can also be combined with conventional fillers such as long/short glass fibers,
providing unique benefits and property enhancements for polymeric nanocomposites.

Application Areas
Nanocomposites have received major interest in several application areas due to their
mechanical property improvements. Numerous automotive, industrial, and commercial uses
have been explored in depth in recent decades.

Application areas in the automotive industry include engine covers, intake manifolds, door
handles, mirror housings, and timing belt covers in various vehicle types. Applications in
other commercial areas include vacuum impellers and blades, mower hoods, mobile phone
covers, and power tool housings.

Use in the Food Packaging Industry

The superior barrier properties of nanocomposites have led to widespread interest in their
use in the food packaging industry. Adding nanoclays to polylactic acid- and polypropylene-
based film packaging prevents the diffusion of gases and flavorings. By providing enhanced
barrier properties for films, shelf life is increased

Nanocomposites have also been applied in food packaging to provide functional properties
such as enhanced antimicrobial behavior. Nanosilver has been widely explored as an
antimicrobial agent added to plastic composites, preventing food spoilage.

Thin Films
The presence of filler incorporation at nano-levels has also been shown to have significant
effects on the transparency and haze characteristics of films. In comparison to
conventionally filled polymers, nanoclay incorporation has been shown to significantly
enhance transparency and reduce haze.

With polyamide-based composites, this effect has been shown to be due to modifications in
the crystallization behavior brought about by the nanoclay particles; spherulitic domain
dimensions being considerably smaller.

When employed to coat polymeric transparency materials, nano-modified polymers

enhance both toughness and hardness without interfering with light transmission
characteristics.

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=921
4
/6
Nanocomposites - Properties and Applications

Environmental Protection
Polymeric materials are especially affected by water-laden atmospheres. Limiting water
absorption is a major advantage for materials. Nanoclay and nanoparticle incorporation can
reduce the extent of water absorption in polymeric nanocomposites.

Hydrophobic enhancement of polymeric materials has key benefits in terms of limiting

device damage and transmittance of water to underlying substrates. Research has
demonstrated that increasing nanoclay and nanoparticle aspect ratio substantially reduces
water absorption.

Applications where water contact, such as marine applications, is commonplace can benefit
from these enhanced properties. Additionally, water protection for commercial electronic
devices such as smartphones and tablets is improved.

Innovative Nanocomposite Applications

Research into nanocomposites and how they can improve the properties of multiple
conventional materials has produced innovative applications in recent years. These include
graphene-enabled nanocomposites, carbon nanotube-enabled nanocomposites, and
quantum dot-enabled nanocomposites.

Graphene-based nanocomposites hold huge promise in the field of renewable energy

storage. They have been widely explored as electrode replacements. Intensive research
into these materials has demonstrated significantly enhanced efficiency and capacity for
superconductors and lithium-ion batteries.

Researchers have developed graphene and tin nanocomposites for the energy industry.
These materials have been applied as high-capacity energy storage materials for lithium-
ion batteries. They have a lightweight sandwich structure which enhances battery
performance.

Quantum dot-enabled nanocomposites have been applied in live cell imaging in the
biomedical and life science industries. An innovative approach that combines quantum dots
and biodegradable hydrogel has been employed to create a delivery system for
nanoparticle delivery into the cytoplasm. Cellular components can be labeled for biomedical
studies using this process.

The Future
P
Saved from URL: https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=921
5
/6
Nanocomposites - Properties and Applications

Nanocomposites have emerged as innovative materials for numerous industrial and

commercial applications over the past couple of decades. Their vastly improved
mechanical, physical, thermal, and barrier properties and the ability to fine-tune final
material properties during preparation have piqued the interest of multiple researchers.

Innovative applications in fields such as regenerative medicine and energy storage have
demonstrated the vast potential of current nanocomposite research. In the future,
nanocomposites could provide potential applications such as jet wings that are stronger
than currently used alloys but as light as balsa wood.

More from AZoM: How are Bioplastics Made?

Primary author: Professor J.N. Hay and S.J. Shaw

Source: Abstracted from “A Review of Nanocomposites 2000”

For more information please visit The Institute of Nanotechnology.

P
Saved from URL: https://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=921
6
/6