Page 22 - Polymer-based Nanocomposites for Energy and Environmental Applications

Introduction of polymer-based 1

nanocomposites

S. Hooshmand Zaferani
Petroleum University of Technology (PUT), Abadan, Iran

1.1 Introduction to polymer
nanocomposites—capabilities and challenges

Energy saving and conversion systems along with economic efficiency are attracting a
huge attention due to restriction for energy sources and environmentally friendly
issues [1]. Nanotechnology as a helpful tool in various fields of science is carried
out in developing novel materials. On the other hand, material manipulating at the
nanometer scale provides the possibility of designing and generating new products
with unprecedented performance and enhanced characteristics [1].
Generally, in composite systems, there are three main matrix types including
polymer, metal, and ceramic with different additives in various forms such as lamina,
fillers, fiber (short and continuous), flake, and particles (Fig. 1.1). In this field,
nanocomposites are defined with at least one component in nanometric scale [2].
Among the prevalent matrices, in comparison with metals or ceramics, polymers
are represented much more complex but cheaper with more easily processing. In
addition, polymers provide lower modulus and strength with lower temperature
application [3]. Therefore, these materials need to be ameliorated with their features
with the lack of mandatory characteristics. In the PNCs, nanofillers are employed in
the role of filler components that are categorized due to their chemical nature, physical
structure, and particle shapes. The geometries and nanodimension represent these
particles as one dimension, linear (e.g., carbon nanotubes); two dimension, layered
(e.g., montmorillonite); or three dimension, powder (e.g., silver nanoparticles) [2].
There are several studies that investigated the application of PNCs in various areas
(Fig. 1.2), but as a main matter, it is choosing the generation process of the PNCs
on the basis of the final expected properties [4-10].

1.2 Polymer matrixes and formulations

1.2.1 Thermoplastic polymer matrixes

Thermoplastic polymer is defined as a type of material with linear chain molecules
that is softened by exposing to heat and stiffened by cooling in a temperature range
[3,11]. As another factor, the thermoplastic polymers are capable to be shaped for
demanded design due to their softened malleable state. Also, high-molecular-weight
Polymer-based Nanocomposites for Energy and Environmental Applications. https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-08-102262-7.00001-5
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