Page 51 - Polymer-based Nanocomposites for Energy and Environmental Applications

30 Polymer-based Nanocomposites for Energy and Environmental Applications

Melt
intercalation Hydrothermal Template
synthesis
synthesis synthesis

Chemical
vapor
deposition Nano materials High energy ball
preparation milling process
method (HEBM)
Complex
polymerized
method

RSP with
Microwave Rapid solidification
synthesis process (RSP) ultrasonic

Fig. 2.2 The various methods for the synthesis of nanomaterials [17].

of a composite having at least one of their dimensions in the nanoscale range [14].
Currently, nanofillers from either natural or synthetic source are of great interest
and regarded as the most promising materials of the future owing to their unique prop-
erties in comparison with bulk counterparts. The most common nanofillers include
carbon nanotubes, laminated aluminosilicates (clays), nanofibers, ultradisperse dia-
monds (nanodiamonds), inorganic nanotubes, fullerenes, nanometal oxides, calcium
carbonate, metallic nanoparticles, POSS, and graphene [15]. Addition of nanofillers
significantly improves or adjusts the variable properties of the materials including
physical, mechanical, optical, electric, and thermal properties, sometimes in synergy
with conventional or traditional fillers [16]. The nanomaterials are synthesized by a
variety of methods such as chemical, biological, and mechanical techniques. The tech-
niques involved in the synthesis are listed in Fig. 2.2 [17]. In this review chapter, a
comprehensive study on the application of nanofiller-reinforced polymer composites
with different fibers and blends is carried out.

2.2 Nanopolymer composites (NPC)

Jawahar et al. [18] have prepared nanocomposites and conventional clay-filled com-
posites using organo-modified montmorillonite clay (OMMT) and inorganic clay
(MMT), respectively, and have studied their wear properties. In this, it is observed
that, the hardness of the nanocomposites is slightly higher than that of pristine poly-
ester. The hardness of nanocomposites and conventional clay-filled composites are
shown in Fig. 2.3.
Further, the specific wear rate and coefficient of friction (COF) decreases on addi-
tion of organoclay. Also, they have found optimal clay content of 3% for specific wear