Polymer Nanocomposites: State of the Frontier

摘要

A snapshot of the polymer nanocomposite industry as it stands today almost 30 years after commercialization is presented. Some growth patterns in this area will also be discussed. Focus will be placed on how the relatively young nanocomposite industry has changed since its beginnings in the 1980’s with the introduction of nanoclay composites by Toyota and where the frontier is today. This will take into account where research and development is being done, what are the current areas of focus for development, the development and discovery of new nano-fillers which drive new composites, how products are being commercialized, and where they are used. While polymer nanocomposites, including hybrids, show advantages relative to non-filled materials, the classical composite industry has not stood still. In some respects this has moved the polymer nanocomposite frontier into other challenging areas. In addition to the well publicized mechanical and physical property advantages that polymer nanocomposites bring to the table, a new frontier is emerging which comprises the electrical and electronics industries. This, to large degree, is due to new nano materials such as nanofibers, graphenes, nano-metals and higher volume production of carbon nanotubes.