Polymer Nanocomposites: The “Nano” Effect on Mechanical Properties

TLDR

Polymer nanocomposites promise advanced materials by combining nanoscale fillers with polymer chains, yet the fundamental mechanical effects of the nano scale remain incompletely understood. This article examines the key properties of the polymer matrix, nanoscale filler, and interfacial region in polymer nanocomposites. The authors review theoretical models and experimental findings from multiple disciplines to guide future research into these components. Keywords include nanocomposites, polymer, nanoparticle, mechanical properties, glass transition, and the authors acknowledge support from the Petroleum Research Fund and NSF‑MRSEC.

Abstract

Polymer nanocomposites offer significant potential in the development of advanced materials for numerous applications. These novel materials benefit from the synergy between filler particles and polymer chains that are on similar length scales and the large quantity of interfacial area relative to the volume of the material. Although enhanced properties of these materials have been demonstrated by numerous researchers, our fundamental knowledge of the "nano" effect in terms of mechanical properties is not fully developed. In this article, we discuss the important properties of three components in a general polymer nanocomposite: the polymer matrix, the nanoscale filler, and the interfacial region. We highlight theory and experimental observations from several different fields to help guide the future research and development of understanding in this critical field. Keywords: nanocompositespolymernanoparticlemechanical propertiesglass transition Acknowledgements The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Petroleum Research Fund of the American Chemical Society and the NSF‐MRSEC at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.