Page 671 - Polymer-based Nanocomposites for Energy and Environmental Applications

P. 671

Green polymer nanocomposites 23

and their environmental

applications

†
*
*
S.A. Bhawani , A.H. Bhat , F.B. Ahmad , M.N.M. Ibrahim ‡
†
*Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Sarawak, Malaysia, University Technology PETRONAS,
‡
Bandar Seri Iskandar, Malaysia, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Penang, Malaysia

23.1 Introduction

The word green is referred to the biodegradable and renewable materials and thus
offers a sustainable environment. The green materials have received a lot of attention
because they are environmentally friendly and biodegradable. This is because of the
demerits posed by the synthetic materials due to the degradation (chemical, physical,
etc.) especially when used in human-related areas such as surgery, pharmacology,
agriculture, and environment. This leads to open a new area of research to introduce
the materials that are biodegradable and biocompatible and releases low toxicity
degradation products. The use of plant-based materials (renewable sources) helps
in minimizing the dependence on declining natural sources such as wood and oil
for many applications. This research has provided an opportunity to improve the stan-
dard of human health [1]. Therefore, a paradigm shift takes place for the development
of new materials from nonbiodegradable to completely biodegradable and will be
easily disposed of or composited without harmful effects. These biodegradable mate-
rials are invaluable gifts to mankind from modern scientific technologies and are used
in the products having single use and short life and being disposable. On the other
hand, the introduction of composite materials in the polymer matrix has exhibited
synergistic effects in their properties. The polymer composite materials have diverse
applications and are used in pharmaceuticals, food packaging, transportation, enter-
tainment, etc. The polymer nanocomposites have overcome the limitations of the
performance of monolithic materials. Polymer nanocomposites are composed of
nanoparticles or nanofillers disposed in the polymer matrix. These nanoparticles/
nanofillers have different shapes (platelets, fibers, and spheroids) with the size range
of 1–50 nm. The introduction of nanoparticles in the polymer matrix has improved the
properties of basic polymers in terms of mechanical properties (strength, elastic mod-
ulus, and dimensional stability) and permeability (gases and water). The polymer
nanocomposites have offered new opportunities in the thermoplastic and rubber
industry with enhanced properties. The major concern in the modern technological
developments is the challenges/risks posed by the synthetic materials produced from
aliphatic polyesters, polyester amides, polystyrene, etc. [2,3]. These challenges/risks

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